Consumer Preferences for Seasoned Lean Ground Beef, Turkey, and Emu

This study determined the acceptability of seasoned ground emu compared with seasoned ground beef and turkey by untrained consumer panelists and assessed factors that may influence acceptability. Eighty-four untrained consumer panelists preferred seasoned ground beef and turkey over the seasoned ground emu for appearance, tenderness, flavor, texture, aftertaste, and overall acceptability. Ethnic background, education level, income, and area of upbringing did not influence acceptability of emu by the untrained consumer panelists; however, gender and level of education significantly affected meat-appearance ratings by the participants. Unfamiliarity with emu or its lower fat content may have influenced the results.