Sensory Evaluation of Plant-Based Protein Entrees for the National School Lunch Program

Abstract

\n \n \n To assess the acceptability of two newly developed plant-based protein entrees to be served in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) among middle school students in the state of Georgia.\n \n \n \n Two newly developed plant-based entrees (sweet potato chili fries, lentil-based sloppy joes) were introduced at lunch and sensory evaluation was conducted using a nine-point hedonic scale were used to evaluate overall liking (OL) and specific sensory attributes (appearance, flavor, texture) of lunch entrees immediately following lunch. Recipe formulations were designed to meet NSLP standards, to address the recent popularity of plant-based meat alternatives, and to incorporate the flavor preferences of student populations. Sensory evaluation of both plant-based entrees and all other entrees sold at lunch or brought from home were assessed.\n \n \n \n A total of 964 sensory evaluations were collected from middle school students in grades 6–8 in the Jackson County School District in Jefferson, Georgia. The plant-based entrees had a mean OL\xa0=\xa02.43, appearance\xa0=\xa03.00, texture\xa0=\xa03.58, flavor\xa0=\xa02.63. The regular hotline entrees had a mean OL\xa0=\xa05.66, appearance\xa0=\xa05.21, texture\xa0=\xa05.16, flavor\xa0=\xa05.75. A la carte entrees had a mean OL\xa0=\xa06.07, appearance\xa0=\xa05.65, texture\xa0=\xa05.64, flavor\xa0=\xa05.95. Entrees brought from home had a mean OL\xa0=\xa08.14, appearance\xa0=\xa07.82, texture\xa0=\xa07.84, flavor\xa0=\xa08.19. Regressions and t-tests were used to determine significant differences in waste using the statistical software Stata.\n \n \n \n Little research has been conducted utilizing sensory evaluation to determine student liking of plant-based entrees. Plant-based entrees were liked least out of all entrees offered at school or brought from home. Sensory evaluation may be utilized to develop healthy school meals, ensure recipes are responsive to the taste preferences of children and profitable on the school lunch menu.\n \n \n \n Jackson County School District, Georgia Department of Education.\n