Consumers Perception on Nutritional Bars. A Case Study: Nutritional Bars Based on Aronia By-products
Abstract
Nutritional bars have become popular functional foods, offering both convenience and health benefits. This overview examines nutritional bars incorporating aronia by-products, focusing on their nutritional composition, health benefits, consumer perceptions, and sustainability implications. Aronia melanocarpa, is noted for its high antioxidant content, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which effectively reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage. Consumer acceptance of aronia-based nutritional bars is influenced by perceived health benefits, taste, ingredient transparency, and sustainability. A study conducted between February and May 2024 used a 24-item survey to investigate consumer perceptions of aronia-based nutritional bars among 384 residents of Cluj-Napoca and nearby villages. The survey covered demographics, knowledge of protein and aronia bars, consumer perceptions, and general views on aronia bars. The study found that the most important factor for consumers was the perceived positive effect of aronia-based protein bars in managing protein deficiency. The findings suggest that increasing product availability and addressing informational gaps could enhance market acceptance and meet consumer demand in Romania.
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