The demand for functional beverages is increasing as consumers seek options that offer health benefits, and plant-based beverages are gaining popularity for their associated advantages. The objective of this study was to optimize the formulation of a chickpea and hibiscus beverage to maximize flavor sensory acceptance, antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin content using a mixture design and characterize the optimal formulation. An extreme vertices mixture design was employed, with fixed proportions of chickpea beverage (66.5%) and inulin (2%), while varying the proportions of hibiscus decoction, monk fruit, and cinnamon powder. Additionally, the Kano model was used to classify the beverage’s attributes. The optimized formulation consisted of 31.41% hibiscus decoction, 0.48% monk fruit, and 0.61% cinnamon powder, achieving 329.2 µmol TE/100 mL (antioxidant capacity), 3.567 mg C3GE/100 mL (anthocyanin content), and a flavor rating of 6.2. The Kano model classified good taste, functional properties, monk fruit sweetening, and chickpeas as attractive attributes, with functional properties obtaining the highest satisfaction index (0.88). These results demonstrate that employing a mixture design is an effective tool to enhance health-related aspects and consumer acceptance. Additionally, the incorporation of the Kano model provides a broader perspective on the development of functional beverages by identifying key attributes that influence product acceptance and market success.

Objective. To determine functional food consumption preferences in Culiacán, Mexico. Materials and methods. A survey was designed, validated, and implemented to gather information on functional food consumption. Associations between health conditions and functional food consumption were evaluated. Using the Borda count methodology, the preference order of different functional foods was identified, seeking statistical differences between preferences. Results. A validated questionnaire was obtained for the survey application. Association was found between having a diagnosed illness, undergoing medical treatment, and sex with awareness of functional foods; however, no association was observed between having a diagnosed illness and potential functional food consumption. The top three preferred foods were beverages, bars, and yogurt, with taste being the most important characteristic for functional food consumption. Conclusions. There is low consumption of functional foods, which may be associated with various factors. In designing and developing functional foods, it is important to consider preferences such as beverages, bars, and yogurts, emphasizing consumer taste acceptance.