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
The goal of this clinical trial is to relate chewing behaviours to food intake and postprandial response for a texturally complex food matrix (almonds in white chocolate) in healthy young females. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the presence or preparation of almonds (whole versus chopped) influence satiation, i.e., the amount consumed at an ad libitum meal? * What is the correlation between chewing behaviour, satiation, and changes in postprandial glucose, triacylglycerols, and satiety ratings? Participants will attend the research centre fasted on three occasions to consume an ad libitum meal, complete questionnaires, and provide fasting and postprandial finger prick blood samples.
• 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