This study evaluated the perception, consumption behavior, and optional attributes of Korean, Chinese, and U.S. consumers of energy bar products. Data were compared and analyzed by surveying 300 consumers in each country. Significant differences were observed in preference for energy bars according to their nationality, in the order China, the U.S., and Korea. Perception of taste, types and dietary suitability of the products ranked lower for Korean consumers, as compared to consumers of the United States and China. The order dietary fiber, protein, and calcium were the sought-after nutritional requirements of the products. The demand for protein was significantly higher in the U.S. Calcium demand was low in the United States and China, but was very high in Korea, which could be attributed to the low calcium intake of Koreans. Other optional attributes which were closely associated with the purchase and re-purchase decision, included price, taste and delivery period. All three factors were recognized as important options in Korea, whereas awareness of packaging/ appearance and brand was not. The taste, nutrients and price in the U.S. ranked high as important optional attributes, while the packaging, external and expiration dates were recognized as low. Unlike Korea and the U.S., important optional attributes for Chinese consumers were determined in the order expiration date, taste, and nutrients, and showed low perception for packaging, appearance, weight, counts, and prices. Evaluating the preference for the main and secondary ingredients, Koreans preferred nuts over grains, Americans preferred dried fruits over nuts, and Chinese preferred nuts and grains; both Korean and American consumers had low preference for dried vegetables. The preference for chocolate was low in Korea and China, whereas preference for jelly was high in China as compared to Korea and the U.S. The intention of purchasing energy bars was significantly lower in Korea than in the U.S. and China. A variety of nutritious functional bars have recently been distributed and sold in Korea, but they are mostly produced in the U.S., which is the largest producer and consumer worldwide. Taken together, results of this study indicate that the demand for nutritional enhancement and preferred materials vary according to the nationality. Hence, it is necessary to develop products that reflect these criteria. Further research is required to analyze the relationship between preference and consumption behavior for each material product developed in the future.

압출성형의 이점을 활용하여 영양적으로 단백질과 식이섬유가 풍부하며 조직감과 항산화 활성이 우수한 에너지바를 제조하기 위해서 탈지 삼종실 압출성형물의 팽화율, 밀도, 파괴력, 겉보기탄성계수, 수분흡착지수와 수분용해지수, 페이스트 점도를 측정하였다. 또한 압출성형물의 항산화활성을 측정하기 위해 DPPH에 의한 전자공여능을 측정하여 비교 분석하였다. 탈지 삼종실 에너지바 제조 후 품질특성 조사를 위해 수분함량, 색도, 관능검사를 측정하였다. 압출성형 공정변수는 수분함량(20, 25%), 배럴온도(110, 130oC)이였으며 수분함량 20%, 배럴온도 130oC에서 팽화율이 가장 높았으며 밀도, 파괴력, 탄성계수가 낮았다. 수분함량이 증가할수록 수분흡착지수가 증가하였으며 수분용해지수는 배럴온도 130oC에서 높은 경향을 나타내었다. 압출성형 탈지 삼종실은 페이스트 점도 값이 낮게 나타났으며 DPPH에 의한 전자공여능 값은 수분함량 20%, 배럴온도 130oC에서 항산화활성이 높게 나타났다. 탈지 삼종실 에너지바 제조 30일 후에 수분함량은 0.60-1.13% 상승하였으며 백색도와 황색도는 감소, 적색도는 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 관능평가 결과 압출성형 변수가 수분함량 20%, 배럴온도 130oC이며 탈지 삼종실이 첨가된 에너지바가 가장 좋게 평가되었다. 결론적으로 압출성형을 이용하여 삼종실을 첨가한 에너지바를 제조할 수 있었으며 중간소재인 압출성형물의 공정 변수는 수분함량 20%, 배럴온도 130oC에서 가장 좋은 조건으로 판단되었다.