Quality Assessment of Natural Juices and Consumer Preferences in the Range of Citrus Fruit Juices

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyse and update consumers’ changing preferences in the choice of citrus fruit juices and to evaluate the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of two kinds of juices: juice squeezed from raw fruit and a commercial juice indicated by respondents as best matching their preferences. The survey was conducted in the form of an online survey posted on app.ankieteo.pl. The survey was also sent via a link through social networks. A total of 862 people took part in the survey. Consumers are most likely to consume juices one to three times a week (28.3%). Orange juice was the most popular among respondents (52.4%). The main factors influencing decisions to purchase citrus fruit juices are the type of fruit from which the juice was made, the vitamin content and the product’s price. In choosing juices, respondents were also guided by favourable health qualities and the presence of minerals. From the physicochemical determinations of orange juices obtained from a juicer and squeezer and commercial juice “O”, it was found that the quality of commercial orange juice indicated by consumers in the survey is comparable to juices made with a squeezer or a juice.