The goal of the study is to determine the likability of seeds incorporated into lunch foods. The study will provide a better understanding of ways to make recipe alterations that may promote health and fullness.

The objective of this study is to investigate the likability and potential satisfying effects of seed-enhanced foods. Seed consumption, owing to its high nutritional and functional characteristics, has become popular in recent years. Chia seeds, tiny edible seeds also known as Salvia hispanica L., are derived from a plant of the Lamiaceae family that grows in arid or semiarid climates. Hemp seeds are derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Although these seeds may seem different in appearance and taste, they share many similarities regarding their nutritional/health benefits. These seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and antioxidants. In addition, both chia and hemp seeds are sources of plant-based protein. Seeds also contain dietary fiber, which is essential to keep the digestive system healthy. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 22-34 grams of fiber daily depending on age and sex. However, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended fiber intake. Several studies in the past have shown the beneficial impact of supplementation with high-fiber foods exerting positive effects on appetite control and short-term satiety. Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol and delay starch digestion potentially impacting appetite and satiety. Various studies have reported the beneficial effects of chia seed consumption on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the satiating effects of chia or hemp seeds. These studies have mostly examined the influence of chia seed or hemp seeds as a mid-morning snack on short-term satiety and energy intake. No studies have examined how the use of chia or hemp seeds as a lunch meal ingredient could impact satiety. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to investigate likability and potential satisfying effects of seed-enhanced foods.

Inclusion Criteria:

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Exclusion Criteria:

• Younger than 25 years
• Known (self-reported) allergy or adverse reaction to study foods
• Women who have given birth during the previous 12 months or who are pregnant/lactating or who plan to become pregnant over the upcoming 6 months (which will overlap with the study period)
• Presence of diabetes, diverticulitis (inflammation of the large intestine), colitis (inflammation of the colon), celiac disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disease, pancreatic disease
• History of bariatric surgery or other weight control surgery
• Removal of a portion of the stomach or gastrointestinal tract
• Actively trying to gain or lose weight at the time of the study recruitment or planning to gain or lose weight during the study periods
• Diminished sense of taste and/or smell
• Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia
• Smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco products in the past 3 months
• Suspected or known physiological/mechanical gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction
• Use of certain medications or supplements (prescription or over-the-counter) that may interfere with the study objectives
• Unable or unwilling to give informed consent or communicate with study staff
• Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months and/or current treatment for these problems (long-term participation in Alcoholics Anonymous is not an exclusion)
• Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgment of the Principal Investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow the study plan

Only de-identified information will be shared.