Sensory analysis (testing) techniques

Descriptive Analysis

• UKAS accredited full descriptive profile: This approach is recommended for larger sample sizes where an in–depth understanding of the sensory characteristics of products is required or if the data is to be correlated with consumer or analytical data.
• Rapid attribute profiling: To meet our clients' needs we have developed this method to offer a cost effective solution to sensory profiling. This approach is usually adapted for smaller sample sizes or when the focus is on a limited number of attributes. This is particularly useful for screening products to obtain top–line information on their sensory characteristics.
• Napping® and partial Napping®: Rapid methods, particularly ideal for ‘sensory screening’ of samples with different characteristics. Napping® and partial Napping®use a panel of trained assessors. Samples are grouped on a two dimensional surface according to similarities and differences, to produce a map, and descriptive terms applied to each sample within the map.
• Ranking Descriptive Analysis (RDA): Ranking Descriptive Analysis (RDA) is a cost effective approach requiring fewer sessions for training and assessment compared to traditional sensory descriptive methods.
• Polarised Sensory Positioning (PSP): Polarised Sensory Positioning (PSP) is a holistic-comparative technique where test samples are assessed against a number of reference samples called ‘poles’ (3 typically), which define the sensory space of the tested samples.

Discrimination Testing

• UKAS accredited triangle testing: Triangle testing can be run for both difference and similarity, to help with new product development, product optimisation, and potential taint determination.
• Tetrad: Tetrad testing can offer researchers increased efficiency and greater accuracy than triangle testing. Our experienced sensory scientists can advise on when and how to use Tetrad tests.

Sensory quality analysis

• Sensory quality grading: Our experienced sensory quality assessors use a grading approach to understand differences in the sensory quality of products. This approach is utilised for shelf–life storage trials and to understand the effects of various treatments.
• Campden food specifications for canned and frozen products: Campden product specifications are well known in the industry – they enable companies to produce canned and quick frozen foods to internationally recognised standards of quality, and so facilitate trade with partners.

You may also be interested in

• Sensory descriptive panel | Video
• Triangle testing | Video

Key services

Sensory Testing

Rapid attribute profiling, UKAS accredited triangle testing and more.

Consumer Testing

Product assessment, evaluation and performance.

Innovation and Insights

Customised research designs to understand consumers' in-depth.

Sensory Training

Individual or team sessions, scheduled or tailored.

Time-based Sensory Mapping

Increasingly using time-based sensory mapping to obtain detailed sensory feedback.

Facilities

State–of–the–art facilities for consumer and sensory testing.

Sensing Brands

Creating a distinctive and motivating sensory signature.

Clients

Working with clients from across the food and beverage supply chain.

Knowledge Centre

A selection of our consumer and sensory Research and Development reports.

Other links

• Accreditations
• Guidelines
• GDPR: Our privacy notice and other Campden BRI information