5.3.3

Sensory Testing Methods 2

Test yourself

Grading Tests

Sensory tests give food companies a good sense of how much consumers do or don't like their products. Grading tests analyse food characteristics.

Illustrative background for Ranking testIllustrative background for Ranking test ?? "content

Ranking test

  • Tasters taste food samples.
  • Tasters order the food samples from lowest to highest for a characteristic (e.g. texture, smell).
  • Scores are counted and ranked.
Illustrative background for Rating testIllustrative background for Rating test ?? "content

Rating test

  • Tasters taste food samples.
  • Tasters use a scale (numerical or otherwise) to rate different characteristics.
Illustrative background for Profiling testIllustrative background for Profiling test ?? "content

Profiling test

  • Tasters taste food samples.
  • Tasters use a scale (numerical or otherwise) to rate different characteristics.
  • Those conducting the test work out an average rating for each characteristic.
  • Based on these average ratings, those conducting the test create a food profile which can be represented visually (e.g. using a star diagram).

Fair Food Testing

It's important that food tests aren't biased and are conducted fairly. Here are some factors to consider for fair testing:

Illustrative background for Sufficient tastersIllustrative background for Sufficient tasters ?? "content

Sufficient tasters

  • You need to have a sufficient number of tasters sitting on the panel.
Illustrative background for Blind testingIllustrative background for Blind testing ?? "content

Blind testing

  • Tasters must not know what the samples are before trying. This is called blind testing.
Illustrative background for Independent workIllustrative background for Independent work ?? "content

Independent work

  • Tasters should not work with other participants in case these participants influence their answers.
Illustrative background for Small sample sizesIllustrative background for Small sample sizes ?? "content

Small sample sizes

  • Sample sizes should be small so that tasters don't fill up too quickly.
Illustrative background for Access to waterIllustrative background for Access to water ?? "content

Access to water

  • Tasters should be given water to drink between tastings so that they can get rid of the taste of the previous sample.
Illustrative background for Testing environmentIllustrative background for Testing environment ?? "content

Testing environment

  • The testing environment should be:
    • Quiet.
    • Clean.
    • If multiple testing areas are being used, they should be lit the same so that the samples look the same to everyone.

Jump to other topics

1Food Preparation Skills

2Food, Nutrition & Health

3Food Science

4Food Safety

5Food Choice

6Food Provenance

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson