An Investigation Into Soup With the Addition of Brown Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Red Seaweed (Chondrus crispus) Using Nonconsumers of Seaweed

Abstract

Seaweed has been proposed as an ingredient that can increase the umami taste and saltiness of food items. However, seaweed is not regularly consumed in North America. This study aimed to evaluate how nonconsumers of seaweed (n = 103) perceive the sensory properties and acceptance of soup with brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and red seaweed (Chondrus crispus) powder added. The samples include a control soup (without seaweed) and soup with 1.5% and 3% brown seaweed, as well as 1.5% and 3% red seaweed by weight. Furthermore, before evaluating the soup, they were asked to identify the flavors and textures they associate with seaweed. The brown and red seaweed increased the umami and saltiness intensity of the soup, but it also increased the bitterness and sourness. The red seaweed also decreased the sweetness, overall liking, and liking of the soup's flavor. The participants associated seaweed with fishy, salty, and umami flavors and undesirable textures (slimy, tough, chewy). Seaweed increased the umami and salty taste of soup when evaluated by nonconsumers, but it also introduced other tastes to the soup. This study also identified nonconsumers’ beliefs about seaweed and should help create novel food products using seaweed.