Determining the effect of gradual sugar reduction on liking of sweetened iced tea July 2019

Abstract

Sugar-sweetened beverages are major sources of added sugar intake. Recommendations for decreasing added sugar intake include reducing the amount of sugar in beverages. A proposed method to reduce sugar is gradual sugar reduction. A concern with gradual sugar reduction is that it would decrease consumer’s liking and ultimately lead to loss of sales and consumers switching back to higher sugar levels. By gradually reducing sugar in sweetened iced tea over time: 1. Will liking ratings change? 2. How will liking ratings compare to a no reduction of sugar group? 3. Will liking for lower levels of added sugar increase? 4. Will the ideal level of sweetness in iced tea decrease? Liking ratings decreased equally for both groups; The number of calories consumed decreased. The ideal level of sweetness and the acceptable range of sweetness did not change after gradually reducing sugar.