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How do Consumers Perceive Single Serve Frozen Meals Compared to Commercial Weight Loss Program Meals?
Author(s) -
Reimers Kristin,
Blake Denise,
Jacobson Mary
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.739.2
Subject(s) - meal , weight loss , wine tasting , food science , calorie , medicine , zoology , obesity , chemistry , biology , wine
Many commercial weight loss programs offer meals as a key component of their plan, which may lead consumers to believe that these meals confer unique weight loss benefits. Consumers may not be aware that frozen meals found in the grocery store are similar nutritionally to diet meals, and may offer cost, accessibility and sensory benefits. This study compared perceptions about grocery store single serve frozen meals (frozen meals) and weight loss program single serve meals (diet meals). Women (n=114, age 43.9 ± 9.2) completed blinded sensory evaluations of 3 ravioli meals: Healthy Choice ® (HC), Jenny Craig ® (JC) and NutriSystem ® (NS), then responded to statements about the broader categories of frozen and diet meals, before and after viewing nutrition facts.Line Average Nutrition Facts Wt., oz. Kcal Fat, g Sodium, mg Frozen Meals, HC 10 270 6 545 Diet Meals, NS, JC 10 330 9 715Participants scored the HC frozen ravioli meal higher in overall liking than NS (6.3 vs. 5.6, p<0.05) and at parity with JC (6.3 vs. 5.9, p>0.05). After tasting all 3 entrees, participants rated the frozen meal as most preferred (44%, p<0.05).Responses to Statements Pre/Post Viewing Nutrition Facts Agree Pre, % Agree Post, % Diet meals are better suited nutritionally for weight management than frozen meals 60 11 Frozen meals have more calories, fat and sodium than diet meals 70 15 It is likely I would use diet meals to help manage my weight 72 32 It is likely I would use frozen meals to help manage my weight 51 85Misperceptions existed about frozen meals' nutrient content compared to diet meals. Sensory testing and nutrition facts changed perceptions and increased intention to use frozen meals for weight loss. Single serve frozen meals are an economical, accessible alternative to meals available through commercial weight loss programs, but education is needed to help consumers overcome misperceptions and recognize frozen meals as a viable option for weight management.