This study evaluated the influence of the application of edible coatings in the sensory acceptance and purchase intention of chocolate cakes. The treatments studied were: without coating or packaging; packed in polyethylene bags; covered with coatings based on 10% gelatin, 10% gelatin with 10% stearic acid, 10% modified starch, 18% "carnaúba" wax, and fondant. On days 1 and 3 of storage, the cakes with and without coatings were evaluated in terms of color, aroma, flavor, texture and global acceptance, as well as purchase intention. The cakes covered with fondant presented the greatest acceptance for the attributes evaluated and a high purchase intention. The cakes with the other coatings presented a similar acceptance to the control cakes without coatings, with or without packaging. Nevertheless, their purchase intention was lower than desirable. The coatings were sensorially perceptible and did not confer characteristics similar to fondant, probably frustrating the panelists, who expected cakes with richer icings/fillings. Notwithstanding, all coatings evaluated presented performance similar to that of those packed in plastic film when the cake texture was considered.
chocolate cake; edible coatings; sensory analysis; acceptance test; purchase intention
