Sensory Evaluation (AQA GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition)
Revision Note
Sensory testing methods
Sensory testing allows us to evaluate the effect of different foods on our senses
Results from these tests can be used in product development and are key in maximising sales of certain products
Preference tests
Preference testing is used to assess and compare consumer preferences for different food products to determine whether food is acceptable to the consumer
Consumers may be asked to taste test products and comment on
taste
texture
aroma
appearance
They may then provide an overall evaluation which will be used to guide future product development
Preference testing is subjective as it depends on the consumer's personal opinion
A large group of consumers should be tested to maximise the validity and reliability of the data collected
The paired preference test is one form of preference testing
The tester is given samples from two different food products
Samples are given a random number and testers are asked which one they prefer
A conclusion is made about the products based on which one is preferred by the most testers
Hedonic ranking is an alternative way to test preferences
The objective of the test is to determine the extent to which the tester likes or dislikes a product
Testers will be given multiple samples and asked to rank them based on a level of consumer liking
Different scales for hedonic tests can be used
A five-point scale might include options such as
dislike very much
dislike
neither like nor dislike
like
like very much
A nine-point scale might include
like extremely
like very much
like moderately
like slightly
neither like nor dislike
dislike slightly
dislike moderately
dislike very much
dislike extremely
A statistical test could then be used to determine whether there are significant differences between the ratings given for each product
Discrimination tests
Discrimination tests are used to determine whether there are perceptible differences between two or more different foods
The aim is to determine whether there are any sensory differences rather than to determine a degree of liking
The triangle test is the main type of discrimination test
The tester is given three samples
Two of the samples are the same and one is different
The tester is asked to identify the odd one out
Grading tests
Grading tests are used to give food products a rank, a rating and a profile
These tests measure the extent of a particular sensory property
There are three types of grading test
Ranking tests: Testers are asked to order samples based on the strength of a particular property e.g. the sweetness of a food
Rating tests: Testers are asked to rate how much they like/dislike a particular sensory property in a number of similar foods
Alternatively, the tester may be asked to test several properties of one type of food
Profiling tests: Testers are asked to rate products against how well a certain descriptive word applies e.g. crispy, chewy or moist
This allows a detailed description of the product to be developed
Setting up a taste panel
A taste panel is made up of:
Trained testers who are trained to evaluate specific sensory attributes
Trained testing panels are used for quality control and detailed sensory analysis
Untrained consumers who represent the target market
A consumer testing panel is used for acceptability and preference testing
The environment for testing must be carefully set up and controlled to ensure the collection of valid data
Controls in the test environment should be:
simple with no distractions
carefully lit (with coloured light) to avoid influences of colour on the testers
a large enough space to separate testers from each other
Testers should be:
non-smokers
in good health and free from any illnesses
not have any strong opinions on likes and dislikes which may influence their responses
Food samples should be:
random
anonymously labelled
the same size
fresh
The testing equipment should be prepared as follows:
identical equipment (size, shape, material) to deliver each sample being presented
neutral food carriers should be used if the food type is usually eaten in that way e.g. bread or crackers
the carrier must not have a flavour which will interfere with the product
water should be provided to cleanse the mouth in between samples
a rest period of 30 seconds should be given between samples
Exam Tip
You will need to be able to apply these testing concepts to assess the sensory qualities in a wide range of foods from Britain and other countries.
In an exam you may be asked to evaluate and apply the results of sensory testing.
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