Consumer perception of boar meat as affected by labelling information, malodorous compounds and sensitivity to androstenone

This study aimed to assess the influence of two label conditions on the acceptance of boar meat. A central location test was conducted with 145 consumers each assessing 4 pieces of pork loin.Samples varied with respect to two factors: actual meat type (boar vs. standard pork) and label information (young boar meat vs. pork). Androstenone and skatole levels in the tested boar meat ranged from 0.51 to 2.72 μg/g and 0.01 to 0.23 μg/g melted fat, respectively. Consumers' sensitivity to and appreciation of androstenone and skatole odour was determined through a smell experiment. The acceptance of taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall liking was neither influenced by the label information nor by the meat type. Twenty-seven % of all participants were classified as insensitive to androstenone odour, whereas 52% perceived it as positive and 21% as negative. Consumers who disliked the androstenone odour indicated a higher disliking of boar meat.

► A central location test was conducted to assess consumer acceptance of boar loins. ► Consumers tested two label conditions ("boar" vs. "pork"). ► Two meat types (boar meat and pork) were served with each of the labels. ► We hypothesized decreased acceptance when meat is labeled as "boar". ► Neither label nor meat type significantly influenced acceptance.