Measuring Acceptance of Milk and Milk Substitutes Among Younger and Older Children

:  Appropriate nutrient-dense foods and beverages are crucial for children for proper growth and development and to develop healthful lifelong habits. This study investigated children's (ages 8 to 16 y old) perception of sensory intensity, attribute liking and overall liking of unflavored and chocolate lactose-free cow's milk and soy beverages. Products were not identified as to whether they were soy or milk. Children showed greater acceptance of lactose-free cow's milk compared to milk substitute beverages, within flavor category. No differences in acceptance emerged by ethnic group (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic), but a large difference emerged by age group. All product acceptance differences perceived by older children reoccurred among the younger children and in the same direction, but the older children used a larger range of numbers, especially at the lower end, rather than at the higher end of acceptance. The effect of age is not a simple scaling bias but may suggest a reduced criticism by younger respondents of less-acceptable products. Practical Application:  Appropriate nutrient-dense foods and beverages are crucial for children. The prevalence of actual or self-perceived lactose intolerance is a barrier for traditional fluid milk intake. This study evaluated acceptance by children of different ages for lactose free cow's milk and milk substitute soy beverages. While no differences in acceptance emerged by ethnic group (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic), large differences were noted among the age groups. Liking scores for lactose-free cow's milk were higher than scores for milk substitute beverages, when the nature of the product was not identified. Younger children (ages 8 to 12 y old) tend to rate unacceptable products less critically, which means that manufacturers may mistakenly accept a poor tasting product based on these ratings.