• Effective testing — a comparison of facts (objective data) between two or more products — generally requires a trained panel.

• Affective, or consumer testing — gathers opinions (subjective data) from large numbers of untrained, prospective consumers. Smaller focus groups may also be used in consumer testing.

• Perception testing — using biochemical and psychological theories to explain sensory preferences.

Applying modern statistical analysis to the data gathered by different forms of testing offers a wealth of information about consumer behavior and the potential acceptance or rejection of products.

Sensory research, evaluation and analysis are in high demand, for their use of scientific discipline employing a number of tools that are usually considered subjective and difficult to interpret–especially the human senses–taste, texture, mouth feel, aroma, appearance– all are scored on a numerical scale to generate data for statistical analysis.

The objective is to evaluate consumer products in an unbiased manner in order to gain insight about how your product will be accepted by your target audience, the ones who’ll make it or break it.

Recently Food Processing.com asked Marino Trevola about his use of sensory research as Project Leader for Food R&D at Alberto-Culver Co., the makers of Mrs. Dash salt-free seasoning. “It’s the best way to find out how well a new idea will be received,” he said. According to Trevola, data gathered from sensory research is essential not only to the development of new products, but also to the successful extension of a well-established line.

No food business owner can afford to be wrong when creating a new product. It pays to gather unbiased data in the form of sensory research.

Bottled water has become the drink of choice for many in the United States. It’s hip, it’s trendy, and quite frankly just easier in our grab and go society. The American consumer has access to about 200 domestic and imported bottled waters to choose from. But in today’s society, the new drink trend leans towards water in a more advanced stage. The enhanced water section in grocery stores around the United States continues to grow and thrive. Choices include Propel Fitness Water, Snapple Antioxidant Water, Function Drinks, Sobe Life Water, and Coca-Cola’s
VitaminWater, to name just a few. Big name manufactures like Coke and Pepsi continue to dominate the industry, but smaller companies are also enjoying a piece of the proverbial pie.

Flavored water can be found in many variations. Fruit flavors lead the market, but are quickly being joined by various types of herbal flavors. The Ayala’s Herbal Water Company just released their new Lemon Verbena Geranium flavored water at the Expo West Show in Anaheim on March 6th. This new bottled water flavor combines herbs with aromatic leaves and a hint of fruity lemon. Other organic varieties include Lemongrass Mint Vanilla, Ginger Lemon
Peel, Cloves Cardamom Cinnamon, Lavender Mint and Cinnamon Orange Peel.

Vitamin waters are also extremely popular. Many flavored vitamin waters promise to be the perfect antidote to a specific ailment or concern. According to Glaceau VitaminWater, which distributes a wide variety of vitamin enhanced water, “vitamin water is a great tasting, healthy enhanced water that is packed with nutrients. In addition to providing a perfect complement to everyone’s less-than-perfect diet, each vitamin water variety has a unique combination of nutrients to deliver a specific benefit to get you through your day.”

Please check back in on Friday for the conclusion to this post.