Examining the consumer view of refreshing perception, relevant fruits, vegetables, soft drinks, and beers, and consumer age and gender segmentations

Abstract

Consumer perspective of refreshing perception is underexplored, despite it being an emotional attribute to describe foods, beverages, hygiene products, and household items. An online survey ( N = 1518) was designed to collect consumer insight into the importance of refreshing, the definition and factors related to it, and the identification of refreshing fruits, vegetables, and drinks. Nearly all participants (99.8%) cited that they have had the need to consume a food or beverage to feel refreshed, and 76.3% cited that they need this at least once per day. The factors most associated with refreshing were thirst‐quenching (84.1%), temperature (86.2%), and cooling taste (86.0%). Water (86.6%), watermelons (80.8%), and cucumbers (83.5%) were the beverages/foods most frequently specified as refreshing. A second survey ( N = 1050) examined refreshing perception specifically related to beer consumption and associated flavor. Beer was rated highly refreshing by 75.5% of participants, affirming its refreshing reputation. Refreshing perceived from beer was most associated with cool temperature (95.4%), flavor of the beer (88.6%), lightened mood (87.1%), and thirst‐quenching (49.0%). Beers with crisp/clean flavors (87.3%) and citrus flavors (35.7%–51.7%) were most frequently specified as refreshing. There were no gender differences in the definition of refreshing and associated thirst‐quenching and cold, although age differences in defining beer refreshing were significant ( p ≤ .05). There were significant gender and age differences in types of refreshing vegetables, soft drinks, beer flavors, and varieties. The study provided consumer insight into refreshing perception and the gained knowledge could be used in new product design.

Association of Refreshing Perception with Volatile Aroma Compounds, Organic Acids, and Soluble Solids in Freshly Consumed Cucumber Fruit

“…Our previous consumer survey shows cucumber is the most refreshing vegetable. 2 This study further confirmed that eight cucumber varieties were perceived as refreshing in general (mean = 4.6 for eight cucumber varieties), though it showed a significant difference among samples. Similar to watermelon, cucumber also belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family (cucurbits), and watermelon has been well recognized as refreshing.…”

“…1 Our previous study shows that 99.8% of consumers surveyed need to consume a food or beverage to feel refreshed, and 76.3% cited that they need refreshing at least once per day. 2 Refreshing has been considered an emotional response to the food consumption experience, and it is a multidimensional concept based on consumer opinions and specified food categories, which might involve sensory, physiological, and psychological factors. 1 For example, refreshing is a positive or pleasant emotional term used for products such as wine, beer, beverages, and salad, when multiple emotional responses are included in these studies.…”

“…Our previous studies show watermelon is ranked as the most refreshing fruit and cucumber as the most refreshing vegetable. 2 Our previous sensory studies have also investigated sensory variables related to refreshing perception for watermelon; 10,11 however, there is no such study for cucumber fruit. Cucumber is the third most cultivated vegetable crop worldwide, 12 which can be consumed either fresh or processed (pickled), with around a half−half market ratio in the United States.…”

“…Refreshing has been defined as “a way to restore strength and animation, revive, arouse, stimulate, and contain thirst-quenching properties” . Our previous study shows that 99.8% of consumers surveyed need to consume a food or beverage to feel refreshed, and 76.3% cited that they need refreshing at least once per day …”

“…Refreshing is especially important for drinks, but foods such as fruits and vegetables might also impart refreshing perception, although there are very limited studies exploring the refreshing perception in fruits and vegetables. Our previous studies show watermelon is ranked as the most refreshing fruit and cucumber as the most refreshing vegetable .…”