ESTUDO DE CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS E DO PERFIL DE CONSUMO DE PRODUTOS COM AÇAÍ

Abstract

The açaí pulp and products have high nutritional value and significant commercial potential. Frozen pulp, açaí cream, popsicles and açaí sorbet, , among others, are found in local stores. Most of these products are sold in bar and açaí shops. Among consumers there are people of all ages and social classes. The production of açaí grows on average 10% per year, representing a growing market. The aim of this work was to evaluate physical-chemical characteristics and the consumption profile of different açaí products found in different points of sale in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Samples of mix, sorbet and açaí cream were obtained directly from local merchants and supermarkets. The samples were analyzed for pH, acidity, soluble solids and total solids parameters. Other physical-chemical analyzes could not be carried out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A consumption profile study was carried out with 201 participants, who answered several questions about the consumption habit, knowledge about the bioactive properties of açaí and ingredients of açaí products. As for the results of the work, in general, the samples showed results consistent with Brazilian legislation regarding physical-chemical parameters. In interviews with consumers, 94% said they consume açaí, and among them, 58.6% said they rarely consume. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the ingredients that açaí products are made of. With this work, it was found that many consumers do not have detailed information about the bioactive compounds of açaí, and that the most consumed products are açaí cream and sorbet.