The effect of health-related claims on consumers' sensory perception

Sensory evaluation trials are usually performed without extrinsic cues (e.g., packaging), however, these cues can impact the consumers' liking, sensory perception, and expectations for the food item. The aim of this literature review is to identify how health-related claims (HRCs) affect the consumer perception of food products. Many of the studies evaluated the food item in blinded, expected, and informed conditions. The results found that the presence of HRCs can have a marked impact on consumer perception and acceptability. Furthermore, the sodium and sugar-reduced claims negatively influenced the acceptability of the food products. HRCs have an impact on the acceptability of food products, and they need to be included in the food-product development process.