Abstract

Beta-carotene-rich (orange-fleshed) sweet potato is one of a few new crops, which is an excellent source of energy and important nutritive substances that can contribute to improve the nutrient status of communities. The crop is being promoted in the developing world as a source of provitamin A towards alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The purpose of the study was to determine the consumer acceptability of four products made from β-carotene-rich sweetpotato namely chips, doughnuts, juice and sweet potato leaves (cooked green vegetable dish). Consumer testing (n=950) was conducted in six target sites in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The product acceptability was high varying between 85 and 95%, with the highest acceptability for doughnuts. The results further indicated that on average 92% of the consumers liked the colour of the four products, 87% of the consumers would buy the products and 88% indicated that they will make the products at home. The older respondents were more willing to buy and make these products as opposed to younger consumers. Consumers in different regions and in different age groups showed interest in the products. It is therefore recommended that these products are introduced to the formal as well as the informal sector.

Key words: Consumer panel, hedonic scale, processing, orange-fleshed sweet potato, provitamin A.