Carbonation Perception and Texture Characteristics of Carbonated Beverages Using Focus Group Interviews and Free-Sorting Tasks

Carbonated beverages are widely consumed worldwide, and carbonation-related texture plays an important role in consumer sensory perception and preference during consumption. This study aims to determine the perception of carbonation and texture characteristics among young Korean adult consumers using a combination of focus group interviews and free-sorting tasks. Participants were asked to describe their experiences with various carbonated beverages, focusing on textural attributes and perceptions. The free-sorting tasks revealed distinct groupings based on perceived carbonation intensity and flavor attributes. At the end of the interview, consumers were presented with a list of texture attribute terms for carbonated beverages and were asked to check all that applied to the essential sensory characteristics of carbonated beverages. The most frequently selected texture attributes were cooling (93.3%, p < 0.001), carbonation (86.7%, p < 0.001), bite (83.3%, p < 0.001), and overall fizziness (76.7%, p < 0.01), indicating that these attributes are considered essential by consumers when evaluating carbonated beverages. Interestingly, participants described their carbonation experiences by detailing both their perceived sensations and the precise oral locations at which carbonation, bubble bursting, and tingling attributes were perceived. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into diverse texture perceptions and characteristics of carbonation among young Korean adult consumers.