ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the volatile compounds of chocolates made of Brazilian cocoas and statistically track them according to the products' sensorial profile in order to relate them to consumers' acceptance by preference map methodology. The intensity of the chocolate, acidity, woody, smoked, green, floral, burned, musty, and cocoa notes from chocolates produced with cocoa from different Brazilian states were analyzed by a trained panel and by 128 consumers. Samples from Côte d'Ivoire, which is known for its high-quality chocolate, were evaluated for comparison. Solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to evaluate the samples' volatile compounds. One hundred volatile compounds were identified within the samples. The results from the preference maps showed that the maximum preference was found for chocolate made of cocoa from Rondônia, Bahia, and Espírito Santo and Côte d'Ivoire and organic samples from Pará. The ideal sample point was characterized by intense chocolate, floral, and woody notes and mild green and burned notes. The presence of furfural, 3-methyl butanal, phenethyl acetate, 2-phenyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, methyl pyrazine, phenethyl acetate, 2-phenyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, and tetramethyl pyrazine were shown to be important for consumer acceptance in the ideal product, whereas the presence of (Z)-2-heptenal and 2-pentyl furan may increase consumer rejection. 2,3-Methyl pyrazine, methyl pyrazine, and 2,3-butanediol, which are important volatile compounds previously reported in the literature, were statistically tracked to both positive and negative sample attributes and must be better explored concerning consumers' acceptance of chocolates.
