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Sensory specific satiety and intake: the difference between nibble- and bar-size snacks
P L G Weijzen1, D G Liem, E H Zandstra
1Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, PO Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands. pascalle.weijzen@wur.nl
Appetite
|November 6, 2007
Summary
Smaller snack sizes, like nibbles, may lead to lower food intake compared to larger bar sizes. Attentive eating did not significantly decrease intake in this study, suggesting food size is a key factor in controlling consumption.
Area of Science:
- Food science
- Nutrition
- Sensory science
Background:
- Sensory specific satiety (SSS) influences food intake and choice.
- Understanding factors affecting satiety and intake is crucial for dietary management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of snack size (nibble vs. bar) on SSS and intake.
- To examine whether mindful eating (attention to consumption) affects SSS and intake.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-nine subjects participated in a study involving two snack sizes (nibbles and bars) and two consumption conditions (attentive vs. usual).
- Ad libitum intake and SSS scores were measured for each condition.
Main Results:
- Nibble-sized snacks resulted in 12% lower intake than bar-sized snacks under usual consumption conditions.
- Attentive consumption did not significantly reduce intake for either snack size.
- SSS scores were slightly higher for bar-sized snacks compared to nibbles.
Conclusions:
- Smaller food portion sizes appear to reduce overall intake.
- The effect of attentive consumption on reducing intake was not clearly supported by the data.
- Hypotheses suggest that smaller food sizes and attentive eating may prolong oral sensory stimulation, potentially leading to reduced intake.
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