ABSTRACT Objectives Yacon flour is rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)), and may therefore reduce the risk of diseases associated with excess body weight. However, its effect on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), intestinal permeability, oxidative stress and inflammation markers has not been studied in adult humans with excess body weight. Thus, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of yacon flour on these variables. Materials and methods Twenty-six excess body weight (30.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) adults (31.3 ± 8.5y) were randomized to one of two groups (yacon flour or control; n = 13) on a double blind clinical trial. Subjects received a breakfast drink containing or not yacon flour (25g) associated with an energy restricted diet, for six weeks. The flour chemical characterization, FOS and total phenolics contents were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (plasma). Intestinal permeability, fecal SCFA, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers also were evaluated in vivo. Results Yacon flour was well tolerated. It presented an in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (ΔYAC: 49.16 (-4.20; 156.63)) and reduced protein carbonyl concentrations (ΔYAC: -0.98 (-1.54; -0.42)). A reduction in SCFAs was observed in both groups (Δacetic: -3.16 (-5.07; -0.95) vs. -1.05 (-2.65; 1.11); Δpropionic: -1.05 (-2.60;-0.38) vs. -0.41 (-2.08; 0.09); Δbutyric: -0.75 (-1.38; -0.04) vs. -0.28 (-0.98; 0.11), for YAC and CON, respectively). Other variables did not change. Conclusion The yacon flour increased the plasma antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress and SCFAs in adults with obesity or overweight.

Abstract During corn industrial dry milling, a residue rich in dietary fibers is generated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of micronized corn fiber (MCF) as part of a cafeteria diet in the macronutrient metabolism and body weight. Wistar male rats, with initial body weight of 249 ± 14 g (n = 13), received AIN-93M diet (Group 1) or cafeteria diet (Groups 2, 3 and 4), composed of commercial ration, cookies, fried potato sticks, milk chocolate, bacon and chicken liver pâté. Groups 3 and 4 received MCF to replace 100 and 50% of the cellulose from the AIN-93M diet, respectively. After 35 days, blood, tissues and feces were collected. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p < 0.10). The weight gain of the animals increased by 25.9%, 20.8% and 22.0%, when fed cafeteria diet or 100 and 50% of MCF respectively, compared to the control group, although food consumption did not differ between them. Body weight and food efficiency ratio did not differ between the groups fed cafeteria diet with or without MCF. The addition of MCF to the cafeteria diet did not alter the animal lipid profile and glycemia, however, the accumulation of lipids in their livers was similar to the control group. The intake of 100% MCF resulted in higher fecal weight and fecal excretion of lipids, and lower fecal nitrogen, lipid absorption and lipid deposition in the liver than the cafeteria diet. In conclusion, MCF has a potential to improve intestinal transit and lipid excretion, but showed no benefit on blood lipid and glucose levels.

Resumo A fortificação de alimentos constitui importante estratégia para o controle da deficiência de micronutrientes e apresenta como vantagens a alta cobertura populacional e o fato de não alterar hábitos alimentares. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto do uso de arroz fortificado (Ultra Rice® - UR®) sobre o estado nutricional de pré-escolares. Noventa e nove crianças matriculadas em duas creches filantrópicas participaram do estudo. Para crianças de uma creche foi oferecido UR® misturado com arroz polido, como parte das refeições escolares (grupo teste) e para as da outra foi oferecido somente arroz polido (grupo controle). Avaliações bioquímicas foram realizadas antes e após 4 meses de intervenção. Avaliações dietética e sensorial do UR® misturado com arroz polido foram realizadas durante o estudo. O arroz fortificado melhorou as concentrações de zinco (p < 0,001), tiamina (p < 0 ,001), ácido fólico (p = 0,003), hemoglobina corpuscular média (p < 0,001) e hemoglobina corpuscular média (p < 0,001). O arroz fortificado mostrou boa aceitação entre os pré-escolares. Este estudo demonstrou a eficácia do uso de arroz fortificado com ferro, zinco, tiamina e ácido fólico sobre o estado nutricional das crianças.

Abstract Fortification of food constitutes an important strategy for the control of micronutrient deficiency and has advantages such as high population coverage and maintenance of eating habits. This study aimed to assess the impact of using fortified rice (Ultra Rice® - UR®) on the nutritional status of preschoolers. Ninety-nine children enrolled in two philanthropic preschools participated of the study. Children of one of the preschools were offered UR® mixed with polished rice, as part of school meals (test group) and the children of another preschool were offered pure polished rice (control group). Biochemical evaluations were performed before and after 4 months of intervention. Dietary assessment and sensory evaluation of UR® mixed with polished rice were performed during the study. The fortified rice improved the concentrations of zinc (p < 0.001), thiamine (p < 0.001), folic acid (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p < 0.001) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001). The fortified rice showed good acceptability among preschoolers. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using rice fortified with iron, zinc, thiamine and folic acid on the nutritional status of children.

Resumo A fortificação de alimentos constitui importante estratégia para o controle da deficiência de micronutrientes e apresenta como vantagens a alta cobertura populacional e o fato de não alterar hábitos alimentares. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto do uso de arroz fortificado (Ultra Rice® - UR®) sobre o estado nutricional de pré-escolares. Noventa e nove crianças matriculadas em duas creches filantrópicas participaram do estudo. Para crianças de uma creche foi oferecido UR® misturado com arroz polido, como parte das refeições escolares (grupo teste) e para as da outra foi oferecido somente arroz polido (grupo controle). Avaliações bioquímicas foram realizadas antes e após 4 meses de intervenção. Avaliações dietética e sensorial do UR® misturado com arroz polido foram realizadas durante o estudo. O arroz fortificado melhorou as concentrações de zinco (p < 0,001), tiamina (p < 0 ,001), ácido fólico (p = 0,003), hemoglobina corpuscular média (p < 0,001) e hemoglobina corpuscular média (p < 0,001). O arroz fortificado mostrou boa aceitação entre os pré-escolares. Este estudo demonstrou a eficácia do uso de arroz fortificado com ferro, zinco, tiamina e ácido fólico sobre o estado nutricional das crianças.

Abstract Fortification of food constitutes an important strategy for the control of micronutrient deficiency and has advantages such as high population coverage and maintenance of eating habits. This study aimed to assess the impact of using fortified rice (Ultra Rice® - UR®) on the nutritional status of preschoolers. Ninety-nine children enrolled in two philanthropic preschools participated of the study. Children of one of the preschools were offered UR® mixed with polished rice, as part of school meals (test group) and the children of another preschool were offered pure polished rice (control group). Biochemical evaluations were performed before and after 4 months of intervention. Dietary assessment and sensory evaluation of UR® mixed with polished rice were performed during the study. The fortified rice improved the concentrations of zinc (p < 0.001), thiamine (p < 0.001), folic acid (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p < 0.001) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001). The fortified rice showed good acceptability among preschoolers. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using rice fortified with iron, zinc, thiamine and folic acid on the nutritional status of children.

RESUMO Na zona rural do município de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, encontram-se fragmentos florestais que apresentam grande diversidade de frutas silvestres e alimentícias, sendo o abacaxi do mato (Ananas bracteatus (Lindl.), var. albus) uma das frutas de maior ocorrência. Tendo em vista que pouco se conhece a respeito das características nutricionais dessa fruta, este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a caracterização física, composição físico-química e química (acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis totais; pH; umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídios e fibra alimentar); carotenoides (a-caroteno, ß-caroteno, ß-criptoxantina e licopeno) e vitamina C (AA e ADA) por CLAE-DAD; vitamina E (a-, ß-, ?-, d-, tocoferóis e tocotrienóis) por CLAE-fluorescência; e minerais (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Na, Cr, Se e Mo) por ICP-AES. Os frutos apresentaram em média 78,5 g 100g-1 de umidade; 16,3 ºBrix de sólidos solúveis; acidez titulável igual a 1,71 g 100g-1 de ácido cítrico; 1,66 g 100g-1 de fibra alimentar; 1,41 g 100g-1 de lipídios e 83,15 kcal 100g-1 de densidade calórica; sendo considerados fonte de carboidratos (12,82 g 100g-1), proteínas (4,79 g 100g-1) e Zn (0,98 mg 100g-1); boa fonte de vitamina C (18,70 mg 100g-1); e excelente fonte de Cu (0,48 mg 100g-1), Fe (2,05 mg 100g-1), Mn (8,87 mg 100g-1) e Mo (0,15 mg 100g-1).

ABSTRACT In the rural region of the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, forest patches are encountered and they present a great diversity of wild and edible fruit, where wild pineapple (Ananas bracteatus (Lindl.), var. albus) is one of those of greatest occurrence. Given that, little is known about the nutritional characteristics of this fruit, the present study aimed to investigate the physical and physic-chemical characteristics, chemical composition (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, moisture content, ash, protein, lipids and dietary fiber), carotenoids (a-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamin C (AA and DHA) by HPLC-DAD, vitamin E (a-, ß-, ?-, d-, tocopherols and tocotrienols) by HPLC-fluorescence, and minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Na, Cr, Se and Mo) by ICP-AES. Fruits showed a moisture content average of 78.5 g 100g-1, 16.3 ° Brix of soluble solids, titratable acidity equal to 1.71 g 100g-1 of citric acid, 1.66 g 100g-1 of dietary fiber, 1.41 g 100 g-1 of lipids and caloric density of 83.15 kcal 100g-1. We considered it a source of carbohydrates (12.82 g 100g-1), proteins (4.79 g 100g-1) and Zn (0.98 mg 100g-1); a good source of vitamin C (18.70 mg 100g-1); and an excellent source of Cu (0.48 mg 100g-1), Fe (2.05 mg 100g-1), Mn (8.87 mg 100g-1) and Mo (0.15 mg 100g-1).

AbstractThe Atlantic Forest has species of native fruits, consumed fresh and processed, which have an important contribution to food sovereignty of families that consume it. This study examined the physical and physicochemical characteristics, proximate composition, concentration of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and minerals in the pulp and kernels of fruits of licuri (Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc.). Titratable acidity was analyzed by volumetric neutralization, soluble solids by refractometry, proteins by the micro-Kjeldahl method, lipids by gravimetry using soxhlet, dietary fiber by non-enzymatic gravimetry, carotenoids and vitamin C by HPLC-DAD, vitamin E by HPLC-fluorescence, and minerals by ICP-AES. Pulp were a source of Zn (0.95 mg 100–1), a good source of fiber (6.15 g 100–1), excellent source of provitamin A (758.75 RAE 100–1), Cu (0.69 mg 100–1), Fe (3.81 mg 100–1), Mn (3.40 mg 100–1) and Mo (0.06 mg 100–1). The kernel were a source of Fe (3.36 mg 100–1) and excellent source of Mn (6.14 mg 100–1), Cu (0.97 mg 100–1) and Mo (0.07 mg 100–1). The nutritional value and wide availability of licuri fruit make it an important resource for reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition of the rural population and other individuals who have access to it.

The degermination of corn grains by dry milling generates 5% of a fibrous residue. After segregation and micronization, corn bran becomes a potential source of dietary fiber consumption. However, its effect on iron bioavailability has not been reported in the literature. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional composition of corn bran and its effects on iron bioavailability using the hemoglobin depletion-repletion method in rats. The animals were divided into two groups: cellulose (control) and corn bran (experimental). The bran had high content of total dietary fiber, especially the insoluble fraction, and low phytate content. Hemoglobin uptake did not differ between groups at the end of repletion period, and the iron relative bioavailability value of the corn bran diet was 104% in comparison to that of the control group. The product evaluated proved to be a potential source of dietary fiber and it showed no negative effects on iron bioavailability.

Objetivou-se caracterizar as propriedades físico-químicas e a correlação entre a textura instrumental e a aceitação sensorial de massas de pizza fortificadas com farinha integral de soja. Foram desenvolvidas formulações contendo 0%, 30%, 50% e 70% de farinha integral de soja. A análise de textura indicou que a adição de 50% de soja elevou (P<0,05) a dureza, gomosidade, elasticidade e mastigabilidade da massa de pizza. Os teores de proteína, fibra alimentar e dos minerais cálcio, zinco, magnésio, potássio, cobre e fósforo foram maiores (P<0,05) com o aumento da concentração da farinha de soja. O conteúdo de lipídio foi maior (P<0,05) na massa de pizza com 70% de farinha integral de soja. A formulação controle e aquela contendo 30% de farinha integral de soja foram as mais aceitas, sendo positivamente correlacionadas com a textura instrumental, uma vez que apresentaram menor dureza, gomosidade, elasticidade e mastigabilidade. Portanto, a farinha de soja adicionou minerais antioxidantes, proteína, fibra dietética, ácidos graxos essenciais (ω-6 e ω-3) e manteve a aceitação das massas de pizza, possibilitando o preparo de um alimento com alegação de saúde e qualidade sensorial

This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties and the correlation between the instrumental texture and the sensory acceptance of pizza dough's fortified with whole soybean flour. Formulations were developed to contain 0%, 30%, 50% and 70% whole soybean flour. The texture analysis indicated that the addition of 50% soybean increased (P<0.05) firmness, gumminess, springiness and chewiness of pizza dough. The contents of protein, dietary fiber and and minerals calcium zinc, magnesium, potassium, copper and phosphorus were higher (P<0.05) with increasing concentration of soybean flour. The content of lipid was higher (P<0.05) in the pizza dough with 70% whole soybean flour. The control formulation and that containing 30% whole soybean flour were the most accepted, being positively correlated with the instrumental texture, since it had a lower firmness, gumminess, springiness and chewiness. Thus, the whole soybean flour added antioxidant minerals, protein, dietary fiber, essential fatty acids (ω-6 and ω-3) and maintained the acceptance of the pizza dough's, allowing to prepare food with health claim and sensory quality

Iron bioavailability was evaluated in three mixtures of cereals, seeds, and grains ("Human Ration"): light, regular, and homemade provided to rats. The animals received an iron depletion diet for 21 days, followed by a repletion diet containing 12 mg·kg-1 of iron for 14 days. The hemoglobin regeneration efficiency and the relative biological value did not differ between the light mixture and control group. The iron bioavailability of the light mixture of cereals, seeds, and grains and the control group were 99.99±27.62 and 80.02±36.63, respectively, while the regular and homemade mixtures of cereals, seeds, and grains showed lower iron bioavailability, 50.12±35.53 and 66.66±15.44, respectively; the iron content of the diet with light cereal mixture light was statistically similar to that of the control (ferrous sulfate 99.99±27.62). The high content of tannin (202.81±19.53 mg·100-1) in the diet with the regular cereal mixture may have contributed to its low iron bioavailability. The higher intake of soluble fiber by the animals fed the light mixture (21.15±0.92 g) was moderately correlated (r=0.5712, p=0.0018) with the concentration of propionate in the caecal bulk (65.49±11.08 µmol/g). The short chain fatty acids produced by soluble fiber fermentation, associated with the low-content of tannin may have improved iron solubility and absorption in the light cereal mixture diet. The iron bioavailability in the light mixture of cereals, seeds, and grains was similar to that of ferrous sulfate.

The aim of the present work was to characterize cereal bars with high levels of fiber and w-3 using functional ingredients. Formulations were developed containing 0%, 5%, 10% and20% of linseed. Proximate chemical, w-linolenic and linoleic acids and acceptability analyses were carried out. The carbohydrate concentrations of the cereal bars with linseed were lower than those of the control (p<0.004); while the protein content did not differ among the formulations (p>0.05). The bar containing 20% of linseed presented higher lipid content (p<0.001). The formulations with 5% and 10% of linseed were considered sources of dietary fiber, while the formulation with 20% was considered a good source. Regarding -3, the formulations containing linseed were classified as excellent sources. The calorie value of the cereal bars was around 100 kcal/portion. The formulations containing linseed presented higher acceptability, and that with 20% of linseed was found to be the formulation with the best chemical and sensory characteristics. Therefore, the addition of linseed in cereal bars is a good option to develop a functional product, which may contribute to a healthy diet and to the reduction of several non-communicable diseases.

Objetivou-se caracterizar barras de cereais enriquecidas com fibra alimentar e ômega-3, utilizando ingredientes funcionais. Foram desenvolvidas formulações, contendo 0%, 5%, 10% e 20% de linhaça, realizadas análises químicas centesimal, de ácidos α-linolênico e linoléico e aceitabilidade. As concentrações de carboidratos das barras de cereais com linhaça foram menores que o controle (p<0,004) e o teor de proteína não diferiu entre as formulações (p>0,05). A barra de cereais contendo 20% de linhaça apresentou maior teor de lipídio (p<0,001). As formulações com 5% e 10% de linhaça são consideradas fontes de fibra alimentar e a formulação com 20%, boa fonte. Com relação ao ω-3, as formulações contendo linhaça foram classificadas como excelentes fontes. O valor calórico das barras de cereais foi em torno de 100 kcal/ porção. As formulações adicionadas de linhaça apresentaram maior aceitabilidade, e a de 20% de linhaça apresentou melhor formulação em relação às características químicas e sensoriais. Portanto, a adição de linhaça às barras de cereais é uma boa opção para desenvolver um produto funcional, que pode contribuir para uma dieta saudável e reduzir várias doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis.

The aim of this work was to study the effects offortification ofpo-tato bread with whole soybean flour on theirphysicochemical and sensory properties. Control formulations containing 30%, 50% and 70% soybean flour were developed. Firmness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness of bread increased with the addition ofwhole soybean flour. The contents ofprotein, dietary fiber and minerals calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper and phosphorus increased with elevated concentration of soybean flour, while the lipid profile was unchanged. Preference mapping indicated greater acceptance of the control and 30% whole soybean flour formulations. These results were correlated to texture and showed that the greater firmness negatively affected its acceptance. It was concluded that the formulation with 30% was the best option offering good acceptance and high content of nutrients, which makes the flour substitution a viable alternative for the preparation of fortified baking products with equal sensory and physicochemical quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da fortificaçao de paes de batata com farinha integral de soja sobre as propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais. Foram desenvolvidas as formulaçôes controle e contendo 30%, 50% e 70% de farinha de soja. A dureza, coesividade, gomosidade e mastigabilidade dos paes aumentaram com a farinha integral de soja. Os teores de proteína, fibra alimentar e dos minerais cálcio, zinco, magnésio, cobre e fósforo foram maiores em funçao do aumento da concentraçao de farinha integral de soja, enquanto o perfil de lipídios nao foi alterado. O Mapa de Preferência Interno indicou maior aceitaçao das formulaçôes controle e com 30% de farinha integral de soja. Esses resultados foram correlacionados à textura das formulaçôes e revelaram que a maior dureza afetou negativamente sua aceitaçao. Concluise que a formulaçao com 30% foi a melhor opçao em relaçao aos parâmetros físico-químicos e sensoriais, o que torna a substituiçao das farinhas alternativa viável para elaboraçao de produtos de panificaçao fortificados e com qualidade físico-química e sensorial.

This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of four formulations of yacon jams. The following characteristics were analyzed: chemical composition, soluble solids, pH, microbiological presence of total coliforms and salmonella at 45 °C, and presence of fungi and yeasts. The yacon jams exhibited high moisture content (> 62%) as well as high concentrations of carbohydrates (> 28%) and total dietary fiber (2.5%), mainly fructooligosaccharides (> 0.9%). The average energy value was 124.6 kcal/100 g. The average pH was 3.8 and the soluble solids measured 27.6 °Brix. All yacon jams complied with standard microbiological requirements and received high acceptance scores, especially the yacon jam and yacon jam with cinnamon. Yacon jam products may offer an excellent alternative to more common jams due to their lower concentrations of simple sugar, lower calorie value, increased presence of dietary fibers, and desirable sensory characteristics.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características físico-químicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales de cuatro formulaciones de mermeladas de yacón. Las características analizadas fueron: composición química, contenido de sólidos solubles, pH, presencia microbiológica de coliformes totales, coliformes y salmonella a 45 °C, y la presencia de hongos y levaduras. Los atascos de yacón mostraron alto contenido de humedad (> 62%), así como altas concentraciones de hidratos de carbono (> 28%) y fibra dietética total (2, 5%), principalmente fructooligosacáridos (> 0, 9%). El valor energético promedio fue de 124, 6 kcal/100g. El pH promedio fue de 3, 8 y los sólidos solubles mide 27, 6 ° Brix. Todas las mermeladas de yacón cumplido con los requisitos microbiológicos estándar y recibió altos puntajes de aceptación, en especial la mermelada de yacón y mermelada de yacón con canela. Productos de mermelada de yacón pueden ofrecer una excelente alternativa a los atascos más comunes debido a sus concentraciones más bajas de azúcar simple, un valor más bajo de calorías, el aumento de la presencia de fibras dietéticas y las características sensoriales deseadas.

The objective of this study was to evaluate iron bioavailability of maize genotypes, and analyze the correlation between in vitro and in vivo methods. Dialysable iron was analyzed in 13 genotypes from which 5 were selected for the biological assay. Mean iron content of the genotypes (n=13) was 17.93±2.93 mg kg-1. Phytate varied from 0.77% to 1.03%; phytate: iron molar ratio from 30.64 to 55.41; and soluble iron from 13.17 to 39.63%. The highest value for dialysable iron was 19.14%. In the biological assay, the control group, that received ferrous sulphate, did not present significant difference between the genotypes for Hb gain, Hb gain per gram of iron consumed and HRE. Hb gain did not present a significant correlation with in vitro assay. However, there were positive correlations varying from 0.653 to 0.809. The maize genotypes evaluated presented a good bioavailability since the genotypes showed the same result in hemoglobin gain than control group.

Biodisponibilidade de ferro de diferentes genótipos de milho desenvolvidos em programa de melhoramento genético: estudos in vitro e in vivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biodisponibilidade do ferro de genótipos de milho e analisar a correlação entre métodos in vitro e in vivo. Ferro dialisável foi analisado em13 genótipos, a partir do qual 5 foram selecionados para o ensaio biológico. A média de teor de ferro dos genótipos (n= 13) foi 17,93 ± 2,93 mg kg-1. O teor de fitato variou de 0,77% a 1,03%; razão molar fitato:ferro de 30,64 a 55,41; e ferro solúvel de 13,17 a 39,63%.O valor mais alto para o ferro dialisável foi 19,14%. No ensaio biológico, o grupo controle, que recebeu sulfato ferrso, não apresentou diferença significativa entre os genótipos no ganho Hb, ganho de Hb por grama de ferro consumido e HRE. Ganho de Hb não apresentou correlação significativa com o ensaio in vitro. No entanto, houve correlações positivas variando de 0,653 a 0,809. Os genótipos de milho avaliados apresentaram uma boa biodisponibilidade uma vez que os genótipos apresentaram o mesmo resultado quanto ao ganho de hemoglobina em relação ao grupo controle.

A utilização da embalagem e do rótulo para atrair os consumidores e comunicar benefícios do produto são fatores de vantagem competitiva no setor de indústria alimentício. O rótulo é especialmente efetivo, pois além de fornecer detalhes básicos como peso, ingredientes e instruções, conforme leis governamentais, atrai a atenção dos consumidores e induz desejo de compra, frequentemente tornando-se sinônimo da marca. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter informação detalhada sobre atitude, opinião, comportamento e conceito do consumidor a respeito da embalagem de goiabadas, utilizando a técnica de grupo de foco. Os resultados mostraram que a cor e o design do rótulo, tipo de embalagem, informações nesta contidas, marca e preço são atributos determinantes na decisão de compra de goiabada pelos consumidores avaliados.

Using packaging and labels to lure consumers and to communicate product benefits directly on the shelf is a competitive advantage factor in the food industry sector. The label is especially effective since besides supplying basic details, such as weight, ingredients, and instructions in compliance with governmental regulations, it attracts consumers' attention and the desire to buy and which often becomes synonymous to the brand name. The objective of this study was to obtain detailed information on consumers' attitudes, opinions, behavior, and concepts regarding guava jam packaging using the focus group technique. The results showed that label color and design, packaging type and information, and brand name and price are determinant attributes in the consumers' decision to buy guava jam.