Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

First Advisor

Rao Ivaturi

Second Advisor

Sarah T. Hawkins

Third Advisor

Frederica L. Kramer

Abstract

Many recent studies have focused on the health benefits of green tea consumption. Although there is conflicting evidence, there is a strong trend showing positive effects of green tea to human health. This current study was done to explore whether the knowledge of such green tea benefits will influence the willingness of coffee drinkers to consider switching to green tea consumption. The survey study included a convenience sample of 132 adults who considered themselves regular coffee drinkers. From the statistical analyses of the collected data, results were obtained primarily through frequency distributions and phi coefficients. Data analysis suggested a significant and positive relationship between green tea benefits and the willingness of coffee drinker to consume green tea. About 55% of the respondents were either very likely or somewhat likely to substitute some green tea for coffee when they were informed about the health benefits of green tea. Furthermore, there exists a positive relationship between the knowledge of heart health benefits of green tea consumption and willingness to consume green tea. No significant relationship was observed between demographic factors and the respondents' willingness to consider drinking green tea. Although there was some positive relationship between some sensory factors and participants' willingness to consider green tea, this relationship was not statistically significant. Sensory data collection needs to be expanded in future studies in order to better understand benefits resulting from tea drinking.

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