Comparison of Organoeleptic Acceptability of Liquid and Fresh Diets

Data on the organoleptic acceptability of a liquid diet formula with a variety of flavors and two other diets composed of fresh foods was obtained from eight subjects during two, forty-two day experiments. An analysis of the acceptability ratings permits the following conclusions to be made: (a) Even when variety is limited, the acceptability of a fresh food diet is considerably higher than the acceptability of a liquid formula when given as the sole source of nutriment. (b) The bittersweet chocolate-flavored beverage was preferred over the other flavors. (c) Differences inherent among individuals cause statistically significant variation in food acceptability ratings. (d) Over an extended period of time, monotony may be overcome by incorporating a liquid formula into a diet composed primarily of solid foods. This approach merits further investigation. (Author).