Chocolate with whole versus chopped almonds: effects on chewing, fullness, and post-meal blood responses
The Impact of Almond Size in a White Chocolate Matrix on Satiation, Postprandial Glycemia & Lipemia, Chewing Exertion, Eating Rate, and Product Liking: A Randomized Crossover Trial
This test will see if white chocolate containing whole or chopped almonds changes how much healthy young women eat and their short-term blood sugar and fat levels.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Guelph Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guelph, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07065461 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy young female participants will attend the research centre on three separate mornings after an overnight fast to eat an ad libitum portion of white chocolate bark formulated with whole almonds, chopped almonds, or no almonds. Researchers will record how much and how long participants eat, measure chewing-related behaviours, and collect paper satiety ratings up to 180 minutes after eating. Finger-prick blood samples will be taken at baseline and at specified postprandial times to measure glucose (120 minutes) and triacylglycerols (180 minutes). The trial compares intake, oral processing, subjective satiety, and post-meal metabolic responses between the three confection formulations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy premenopausal adult women with BMI 18.5–27.9 kg/m2 (or waist <88 cm), regular menstrual cycles, no food allergies, non-smokers, and not taking medications that affect appetite, digestion, or glucose.
Not a fit: People with diabetes or other metabolic disorders, food allergies or intolerances, pregnant or breastfeeding women, smokers, or those on medications that affect appetite or glucose are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help identify how almond particle size and food texture influence fullness and short-term blood sugar and fat responses, informing food choices to support cardiometabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: Prior oral-processing and food texture studies have shown links between chewing, satiety, and postprandial responses, but applying these methods to a white chocolate–almond matrix with whole versus chopped nuts is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI between 18.5-27.9 kg/m\^2 or waist circumference less than 88 cm * No known food allergies or sensitivities * Non-restrained eaters based on the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire * No history of gastrointestinal diseases that may interfere with eating behaviour or digestion * Not on medications that affect appetite, digestion, blood sugar regulation, saliva production, or chewing * Stable medication use * Non-smokers * Not gained or lost significant weight during the past 3 months * Regular monthly menstrual cycles * Not pregnant, lactating, or post-menopausal Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes or other metabolic disorders affecting glycemia and overall cardiometabolic health * Any food allergies, intolerance, or sensitivities * Any life-threatening allergy * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Participation in another clinical trial * Alcohol consumption more than 14 drinks per week * Smokers or those with a smoking history or more than 10 years * Regular use of recreational drugs (e.g., marijuana, ecstasy, magic mushrooms) * Restrained eater as defined by \> 15 on the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire * Unusual sleep patterns * Irregular breakfast consumption * Recent weight changes or intended weight loss or gain or having lost or gained \>10% of body weight within the last 6 months * Using medications known to affect appetite, digestion, blood sugar regulation, lipids, or chewing (excluding oral contraceptives) * Experiences dry mouth, in general or due to medication side effects * Diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome (autoimmune condition linked to severe dry mouth) * Inability to adhere to study protocols * Not comfortable providing finger prick blood samples * Avoids consuming almonds or chocolate * Has temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) * Has or history or oral cancer * Recent dental or jaw surgery * Avoids eating hard foods for concerns of dental fractures or for general oral health * Individuals with dentures, braces, Invisalign, or other dental implants that cause difficulty chewing
Where this trial is running
Guelph, Ontario
- Department of Human Health Sciences — Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amanda J Wright, PhD
- Email: ajwright@uoguelph.ca
- Phone: 519-824-4120
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.