VALIDATING A GRAPH THEORETIC SCREENING APPROACH TO FOOD ITEM COMBINATIONS

Tools from the mathematical field of graph theory potentially allow the consumer scientist to efficiently analyze large numbers of combinations of food items, such as components on a salad. In this study, we tested the validity of such an approach. We began by asking subjects whether or not pairs of ingredients would be appropriate to combine on a salad. Next, using graph theoretic methods, we predicted which combinations of 3-8 components should go together, and perhaps more importantly, which combinations should not. Subjects were then asked whether or not particular combinations were appropriate to combine on a salad. A paired Wilcoxon test between the predicted and nonpredicted combinations was significant for all combination sizes.