Sensory-Informed Evaluation Method for Use With Peer Educators of Nutrition Education Programs

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023 Nov;55(11):786-795. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.07.011.

Abstract

Objective: Determine acceptance of unfamiliar recipes and investigate the practicality of a hybrid (remote and in-office) method of evaluating recipes.

Methods: Peer educators from the University of Georgia's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education programs used a hybrid home-use test method to evaluate 8 recipes before and after preparation and tasting. We collected perceived and actual measures of recipe acceptance. The main outcomes included overall liking and preparation behaviors, analyzed using nonparametric approaches.

Results: No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between prepreparation and postpreparation overall liking or preparation behaviors for each recipe, supporting the practicality of the method. Liking of recipe preparation exceeded 7 out of 9 for all recipes, but ratings for recipe preparation willingness and perceived program participant ratings decreased after tasting.

Conclusions and implications: Although tasting new recipes is necessary to determine specific modifications, a hybrid recipe evaluation format is practical for introducing new recipes to peer educators when resources are limited.

Keywords: home-use test; nontraditional settings; peer educator model; recipe testing; sensory evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Food*
  • Health Education*
  • Humans