The eating rate of bread predicted from its sensory texture and physical properties

Eating rate (ER) can moderate energy intake and ER can be modified by the texture and physical properties of food. However, the magnitude of the effects is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate how bread texture and physical properties determine ER. In a randomised crossover study, 36 healthy participants (age: 25 ± 6 years, BMI: 22 ± 2 kg m^-2) consumed nine different bread types. Video coding was used to characterise oral processing behaviour. Sensory texture was evaluated on visual analogue scales. Physical properties were measured using texture profile analysis, puncture tests, geometrical and water-related measures. Two models were developed using response surface methodology (RSM) that predict the ER based on sensory and physical properties. The results showed from slow to fast ER: bread slices < hard buns < soft buns. The slowest bread type (wholemeal bread slice) was consumed 40% slower than the fastest bread type (soft white bun) (P < 0.001), explained by smaller bite sizes and more chews. For the sensory texture, ER was positively correlated with crumb adhesiveness and negatively correlated with crumb dryness. For the physical properties, ER was positively correlated with height and volume, and negatively with crumb cohesiveness and crust hardness. The models based on physical properties (R² = 0.91) and sensory texture (R² = 0.89) were both able to estimate ER, but the model based on physical properties performed slightly better. The insights from the relationships from the sensory and physical measures can both be used to modify the texture of breads, to effectively decrease ER and eventually help to prevent overconsumption.