Consumer Preferences for Yogurt Attributes: Survey and Sensory Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to investigate consumer preferences for yogurt and to determine the effect on sensory properties and consumer acceptability, of adding aronia fruit, juice and powder (1, 2 and 3%) to yogurt. In order to find out the opinions of Romanian consumers, a questionnaire was applied, so that they answer: why do they consume yogurt, how often, why do they prefer yogurt, what flavors would they like or not in yogurt, where do they buy yogurt and which would be the benefits of yogurt consumption. Out of a total of 152 respondents, the majority (92.3%) stated that they consume yogurt, and of these 44.9% consume yogurt twice a week. Most respondents prefer plain yogurt and only 2% would prefer yogurt with aronia. Yogurt with aronia juice (1%) had the highest score for taste and texture, yogurt with fruit (1%) was rated better for odor, texture and taste, and yogurt with 3% aronia powder received the higher score for texture, color and odor. The yogurt with 3% aronia powder received the lowest score for taste, this may be due to the high fiber content. Also, the high content of polyphenols in aronia berries can give yogurt an astringent taste.