Perceived Satiety and Consumer Sensory Acceptance of Functional Foods Enriched With Edible Insect and Plant Proteins

The present experimental study aimed to evaluate the subjective responses of consumers following the consumption of three types of savory snacks differing in protein composition: a conventional control snack, one enriched with cricket flour (Acheta domesticus), and one enriched with pea flour. The trial was designed as a randomized, single-blind, triple crossover intervention study. A total of 100 healthy adult volunteers were recruited, aged between 18 and 65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m². Each participant consumed a single 50-gram portion of each product, with a seven-day washout period between sessions. The order of product administration was randomized. All tastings were carried out in a fasting state, preferably in the morning, to standardize metabolic conditions. During each session, the following data were collected:

• Sociodemographic characteristics, assessed at baseline via questionnaire;
• Perceived satiety, measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after the end of the meal;
• Gastrointestinal tolerability, evaluated through a post-consumption questionnaire addressing symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort;
• Hedonic evaluation, assessed using a 9-point hedonic scale to determine product acceptability;
• Sensory and emotional responses, collected through Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questionnaires.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy volunteer subjects aged between 18 and 65 years;
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m²

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus;
• Thyroid disorders;
• Food allergies;
• Gastrointestinal and/or systemic diseases (including renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, or any other organ-related conditions);
• Regular use of medications or dietary supplements;
• Pregnancy or lactation;
• Following specific dietary regimens (vegetarian or vegan).