Food Analysis

UNIT 14 SENSORY EVALUATION OF FOOD

PRODUCTS
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Selection of Panel
14.2.1 Types of Panel
14.2.2 Methodology for Sensory Evaluation
14.3 Maintaining Suitable Environmental Conditions
14.3.1 Laboratory Set-up and Equipment
14.4 Sample Preparation
14.5 Types of Tests
14.5.1 Analytical Tests
14.5.2 Affective (Preference and Acceptance) Tests
14.6 Applications of Sensory Evaluation
14.7 Key Words
14.8 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises
14.9 Some Useful Books

14.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this unit, you would be able to:
• underline the importance and significance of sensory evaluation;
• enlist quality control aspects of sensory evaluation;
• Evaluate and assess the quality of food products based on the sensory
parameters; and
• know the relevance and significance of sensory evaluation of food products
and use sensory evaluation as a tool for improvements in quality of food
products besides creating the consumer acceptance.

14.1 INTRODUCTION
As we all know, the sensory behavior of food products is the ultimate criterion
for the acceptability of any product by the consumer. Unless the food products
meet the desired standards of taste, flavor, texture, etc., the consumer will not
accept the products. In other words, quality of food products to a consumer
means the sensory behavior of products. Overall quality of food products
depends on factors such as quantity, nutritional parameters, physico-chemical
and physico-mechanical parameters, several other hidden attributes and
sensory properties. At the time of buying any food product, we should look for
nutritional parameters, like calories, the vitamins, the minerals, the proteins,
and other ingredients, etc. At the same time, we also remain concerned with
the presence of undesirable substances in the food products, for example, all
the toxic and allergic ingredients. Since the undesirable constituents in food
products may cause serious health hazards, usually, these parameters are
regulated by stringent government guidelines and norms. Labelling of
nutritional parameters is required by law in most countries.

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The most important parameter for both the processors and consumers is the Sensory Evaluation of
sensory quality. As the name suggests, the term ‘sensory’ is related to senses of Food Products
the human being. Sensory quality is important to processor, since it attracts
consumers but it is equally important to the consumers, since it satisfies their
aesthetic and gustatory senses.

Keeping in view, the importance of the sensory quality, the sensory attributes
needs to be evaluated. Evaluation of sensory quality has been defined as “a
scientific discipline used to evoke, measure, analyze and interpret reactions to
those characteristics of foods and materials as they are perceived by the senses
of sight, taste, touch and hearing”.

Sensory evaluation of products is assuming increasing significance, as it

provides information for several purposes i.e. quality control, assessment of
process variation, cost reduction, product improvement, shelf-life, new product
development and analysis of market.

To derive maximum benefits out of sensory evaluation, it is necessary to

follow the methodology in its full scientific perspective. The basic steps to
perform the sensory analysis are:

a) Selection of the proper panel;

b) Maintaining suitable environmental conditions and use of standard

equipment for the test;

c) Obtaining representative samples;

d) Preparation and presentation of samples for evaluation in a manner that

ensures the uniformity and representation of the samples; and

e) Selection of the proper methods and statistical techniques.

14.2 SELECTION OF PANEL

Sensory evaluation is normally carried out by designed experiments under
proper environmental conditions by both trained and untrained panels. The
experts who have acquired the product-specific skills are not appropriate for
the general evaluation because of the risk of being biased.
Panels with different degree of training are required for different types of
sensory analysis. The degree of training required depends on a number of
considerations, such as degree of differences to be detected, number of
panelists required for the tests and time and value of the analysis to the product
type. Training is also necessary for descriptive and profile panels using special
procedures for specific products and situations.
For any sensory evaluation test, at least ten members should be selected in a
panel. The panel members should be recruited based on various criteria such
as:
a) Interest and motivation
Candidates who are interested in sensory analysis and who have the liking for
the test product or products to be investigated are likely to be more motivated

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Food Analysis and hence, such kind of people are likely to become better assessors than those
who are without such essential interest and motivation.

b) Attitude

Candidates who are quite flexible in their eating habits should be considered.
Those with rigid attitudes with strong dislikes and likes towards food products
may not be suitable to become a member of the panel.

c) Knowledge and aptitude

Candidates having capacity to concentrate and those who can remain

unaffected from all the external influences and those having adequate
knowledge of all aspects of the product should be considered as panelists.

d) Health

The candidates must have good general health and should not have any
disabilities, which may affect their senses.

e) Ability to communicate/Personality characteristics

The candidates must have ability to communicate and describe the sensations
they have perceived while assessing a product. The candidates should be
reliable and honest in their approach.

14.2.1 Types of Panel

A) Trained Panel (Laboratory Panel)

The candidates should be carefully selected and trained and it need not be an
expert panel. Trained panels provide answers to two general questions relating
to the sensory properties of foods:

• Is there a difference between or among stimuli?, and

• What are the direction and the intensity of differences?

The trained panels should ideally have 5 to 10 members and the same should
be used in all developmental and processing studies. The panel should be able
to establish the intensity of a sensory characters of overall quality of a food.
The panel for flavor profile studies should have a higher degree of training for
detailed analysis of the flavor spectrum of complex processed foods.

B) Discriminative and Communicative (also known as D and C) Panel

(Semi-Trained Panel)

This type of panel should be constituted of people familiar with quality of

different classes of foods and thus is capable of discriminating differences and
communicating their reactions. The panelists may not be trained formally but
they should be capable of following instructions given at the evaluation
session. The panel should consist of about 25 to 30 members and should be
used to find the acceptability of preference of final products as a preliminary
screening programme to select a few for large scale consumer trials.

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C) Untrained Panel (Consumer Panel) Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
The members of the untrained panel should be selected at random from the
potential consumers in a market area. The number of panelists should be large
enough to ensure due representation of different age, sex, race and income
level group in the population of potential consumers. The findings should be
based on at least 100 independent judgements.

D. Qualifications for Panelists

The panelists particularly for the trained and Discriminative and

Communicative (D&C) panels should have the following qualifications:

a) Sound health without any defects affecting sensory perception;

b) Average sensitivity;

c) Capability of independent judgement;

d) Ability to concentrate, train and learn;

e) Intellectual curiosity and interest in quality evaluation work;

f) Willingness to spend time in evaluation and submission to periodic tests;

g) Freedom from prejudices in respect of a particular food product; and

h) Food enthusiast having the liking for trying different types of foods.

14.2.2 Methodology for Sensory Evaluation

Prior to the start of the sensory evaluation process, the following steps needs to
be accomplished:

a) Screening

The panel members should be selected keeping in view the products to be

evaluated. The prospective members should appear for a test designed so as to
pick the members of desired level of sensitivity.

b) Training

The panel members should undergo a period of training in the type of work
they shall be doing later. The members should be educated in special
vocabulary and they should be taught to be able to appropriately perceive and
express the sensory reactions. Testing sessions should be preceded by a few
informal orientation sessions in which the type of sample is introduced and
discussed and tentative decisions made about testing conditions, temperature,
quantity, mode of presentation, etc. Further, the language used to describe the
character notes of aroma, taste and overall quality should be developed and
tested. Reference standards for expressing amplitudes should also be discussed
in these orientation sessions.

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Food Analysis c) Briefing of Panel

The panel members should be given clear and precise instructions before they
start testing. When a quality attribute is evaluated, the instructions should be
given in the scorecard. In case of rating tests, the panelist should be given clear
and precise instructions in respect of scale used to help anchor judgements in
respect of degree and direction of quality attributes and grade specification.
The instructions should not lead the panel to the identity of particular samples
or induce errors of anticipation.

# Check Your Progress Exercise 1

Note: a) Use the space below for your answers.
b) Check your answers with those given at the end of the unit.
1) Describe Sensory Evaluation?
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2) What is a sensory panel?
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3) List the types of sensory panel?
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 Sensory Evaluation of
14.3 MAINTAINING SUITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL Food Products
CONDITIONS

14.3.1 Laboratory Set-up and Equipment

Fig.14.1 shows a typical layout of the sensory laboratory.

a) General

Environmental factors, where the sensory evaluation is to be done and samples

which need to be evaluated, should be suitably controlled. Sensory evaluation
should be conducted in quiet and well-lit rooms, free from any odors. The
rooms should be constructed to have comfort for concentrated prolonged
testing and ease of cleaning. Pleasing neutral shades and maintenance of
comfortable temperature and humidity conditions of the whole area or at least
the room where panel members are going to sit and discuss are desirable and
appealing. All these are essential to help the panel members develop interest
for carrying out the test. The testing area where booths are located should be
separated from sample preparation and wash rooms.

b) Reception and Briefing Room

As the name suggests, the reception and briefing room is the place where the
panel members are entertained first. This room should be well maintained and
equipped with comfortable chairs. It should be designed to ensure maintenance
of pleasant attitudes and it should minimize the congestion to the booths. Panel
members should assemble here and to start with, the panel members should be
briefed about the test, etc. here.

c) Panel Booths

These areas are the actual places for the tests. The booths should be located
between or adjacent to the reception and preparation rooms and should consist
of test booths of identical design, a separate table having natural daylight or
illuminated with special daylight bulbs for evaluation of colors of samples and
a table. The entry and exit to the panel booth area through independent doors is
often useful to avoid any communication between panel members, which may
lead to any bias while assessing the sample.

d) Preparation Room

The preparation room should be suitably separated from the testing room and it
should be equipped for preparing and serving samples. The room should have
facilities for cooking of samples with additional facilities for prepared food
storage cabinets -hot and cold. The kitchen ventilation should be such that
cooking odors are expelled from the laboratory and should not penetrate the
panel-booth area.

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Food Analysis

Exit

HOT COLD
EXHAUST HOOD ELECTRIC COLD STORE WATER WATER DRAIN
AND DRAIN
CONNECTED COOKING SINK SINK BOARD
REFRIGERATION BOARD
WINDOW

TO EXHAUST RANGE
INDICATION COLOUR
LIGHTS
DAY LIGHT OR
COLOURED LIGHTS PREPARATION AND SERVICE ROOM SHELVES
AS REQUIRED

Entrance to
SERVICE TABLE preparation
room

Exit

AIR TESTING BOOTH

CONDITIONER
VISUAL EXAMINATION
TABLE
Figure 1: Layout of a typical sensory laboratory
TESTING ROOM

DAY LIGHT FITTINGS

SHELVES
PIN BLACK
BOARD BOARD

Entrance to
panel booth
WINDOW

RECEPTION ROOM

FILING
CABINETS

Entrance
Fig. 14.1: Layout of a typical sensory laboratory

14.4 SAMPLE PREPARATION

Samples should be prepared in a way to bring out the difference in a particular
quality attribute under evaluation. All variables like temperature, time of
boiling, quantity and composition of water, blending, etc., should be controlled
to ensure identical method of preparation for all samples. Care should be taken
that no loss of flavor occurs and no foreign tastes or odors are imparted by the
procedure during preparation, storage, serving, etc.
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 Sensory Evaluation of
14.5 TYPES OF TESTS Food Products

The sensory tests may be broadly classified into two major categories i.e.:
1) Analytical tests: Analytical tests are based on the evaluation of differences
in clarity, quality and/or quantity of sensory characteristics of a product.
The panelists for carrying out the analytical tests are screened for interest,
ability to discriminate differences and reproduce results. They are trained
to function as a human analytical instrument
2) Affective tests: Affective tests are based on the evaluation preferences
and/or acceptance and/or opinions of product.
Both these categories have been summarized in Table 14.1

14.5.1 Analytical Tests

Analytical tests are used for laboratory evaluation of products in terms of
differences or similarities and for identification of sensory characteristics.
There are two major types of analytical tests – discriminative and descriptive.
Both the tests employ experienced and/or trained panelists. Potential panelists
are screened for selected personal traits, interests and ability to discriminate
differences and generate reproducible results.

Table 14.1: Types of Tests for Sensory Evaluation

Classification of Appropriate methods Type and No. of panelists
methods by function

A. ANALYTICAL TESTS

(a) Discriminative

(i) Difference test: • Paired-comparison • Normal sensory acuity.

Measures simply the • Duo-trio • Panel size depends on
difference between • Triangle product variability and
the methods. • Ranking judgement reproducibility.
• Rating difference/scalar • A recommended minimum
difference from control number is generally 5,
since any fewer could
represent too much
dependence upon one
individual’s responses.
(ii) Sensitivity test: • Threshold
Measures the ability • Dilution
of individuals to • Rating difference/
detect sensory scalar difference from
characteristics Control
(b) Descriptive Attribute rating
Measures qualitative • Category scaling • Sensory acuity
and/ or quantitative • Ratio scaling (Magnitude • Motivated
characteristics Estimation) • Trained or highly trained
• Flavor profile analysis
• Texture profile analysis
• Quantitative descriptive
Analysis

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Food Analysis B. AFFECTIVE TESTS
• Paired-performance • Randomly selected
• Ranking • Untrained
• Rating • Representative of target
- Hedonic (verbal or facial) population
scale • Consumers of test product
- Food action scale • No recommended “magic
number” – minimum is
generally 24 panelists,
which is sometimes
considered rough product
screening; 50-100 panelists
usually considered
adequate
a) Discriminative Tests
There are two types of discriminative tests; difference and sensitivity test.
Difference tests measure whether samples can be differentiated at some
predetermined level of statistical probability. Sensitivity tests measure the
ability of individuals to detect sensory characteristics.
(i) Difference test : There are several types of Difference Tests.
• Paired Comparison Test
Two coded samples are evaluated simultaneously or sequentially in a balanced
order of presentation. This test is used to find simple difference and directional
difference in a specific characteristic and difference preference in consumer
analysis of foods. This is also applicable in training and testing of panelists.
In simple difference test, panelists are asked to test whether the samples in
each pair are the same or different. Whereas, in case of directional difference,
the panelists are asked to indicate which sample in the pair has greater or lesser
degree of intensity of a specified sensory attribute.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the panelist. A
typical evaluation card for the paired comparison tests is given below:
Format 1A: Specimen Evaluation Card For Paired Comparison Test
(Simple Difference)
Name: Date:
Product: Time:
You are given one or several pairs of samples.
Evaluate the two samples in the pair for difference in* ________________.
Indicate your judgement by crossing out words not applicable.
Pair No. Code No. of Pairs Your Judgement
01. -------- --------- Different/Not different
02. -------- --------- Different/Not different

Signature
*The panel organizer should indicate qualify attributes to be evaluated.

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 Format 1B: Specimen Evaluation Card For-Paired Comparison Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
(Directional difference/preference)

Name: Date:
Product: Time:
You are given one or several pair of samples.
Evaluate the two samples in the pair for difference/preference in* __________.
Indicate your judgement by crossing out words not applicable.
If different, indicate the Code No. of the sample which is more*___ /preferred.
Pair No. Code No. of Pairs Your Judgement If samples in a pair
are different, code
no. of sample,
this is more ___
preferred.
1. ______ ______ Different/Not different _________________
2. ______ ______ Different/Not different _________________

Signature
*The panel organizer should indicate the quality attributes to be evaluated.

The data is analyzed using binomial and multinomial distribution (probability)

tables for panel selection, product difference or preference and when and when
number of observations exceeds the table value, χ2-test or t-test for percentage
for product difference or preference has to be used.

• Duo-Trio Test
This test employs three samples, two identical and one different. One sample is
identified as the standard and presented first, followed by two coded samples,
one of which is identical to the standard. The judge is required to identify the
sample, which matches the standard.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the duo-trio test is as below:

Format 2: Specimen Evaluation Card For-Duo-Trio Test

Name: Date:
Product: Time:
⇒ The first sample ‘R’ is the reference sample. Test it carefully.
From the pair of coded samples next given, judge which sample is the same as
‘R’.

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Food Analysis Pair No. Code No. of Pairs Code No. of sample
Matching with ‘R’
1. _________________ _________________
2. _________________ _________________
3. _________________ __________________

Signature

The data is analyzed using binomial and multinomial distribution (probability)

tables for panel selection, product difference or preference. When number of
observations exceeds the table value, χ2-test or t-test for percentage for product
difference or preference has to be used.
• Triangle Test
This test employs three coded samples, two identical and one different,
presented simultaneously. None of the sample is identified as the standard. The
judge must determine which of the three samples presented differs from the
other two.
The data is analyzed using binomial and multinomial distribution (probability)
tables for panel selection, product difference or preference and when number
of observations exceeds the table value, χ2-test or t-test for percentage for
product difference or preference has to be used.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the triangle test is as below:

Format 3: Specimen Evaluation Card For-Triangle Test

Name: Date:
Product: Time:
⇒ Two of the three samples are identical.
Determine the odd sample.
Pair No. Code No. of Samples Code No. of Odd Sample
1. ______ ______ ______ ___________________
2. ______ ______ ______ ___________________
3. ______ ______ ______ ___________________

Signature

• Ranking Test
This test is used to make simultaneous comparisons of several samples on the
basis of a single characteristic. A control needs to be identified; all test samples
to be coded. Samples (which may include control or standard) are presented
simultaneously and ranked accordingly.
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The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the Sensory Evaluation of
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the ranking test is as given below: Food Products

Format 4: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Ranking Test

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product:__________________ Time: _____________________

Please rank the samples in numerical order according to intensity of quality

attribute under test of the product or your preference.

Intensity/Ranking Code No. or

Preference Sample
First ____________________
Second ____________________
Third ____________________
Fourth ____________________

Comments: (Type of off-flavour, etc.)

Signature
The data obtained from ranking test is evaluated by adopting the following
statistical recommendations:
a) If the number of samples exceeds 7, adopt χ2-test;
b) Rank sum analysis has to be adopted for product difference/preference
when the number of observations is within 20;
c) χ2-test has to be used for product difference/preference;
d) Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is adopted for the ranks converted to
normal scores for multiple comparison.
(ii) Sensitivity Test: There are several ways of carrying out sensitivity test.
• Threshold test
These tests are usually expressed as absolute, and indicate the minimum
detectable level of concentration of a substance. Criteria of response in
determining threshold include detection threshold (awareness of change from
some neutral background) and recognition threshold (point at which the
stimulus becomes identifiable).

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Food Analysis The identification threshold concentrations (sensitivity of individual panelists)
and just noticeable difference values are found from the panel data. The data
from the homogeneous panel is used for product evaluation by finding
arithmetic or geometric mean according to concentration series given.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the threshold test is as given below:

Format 5: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Threshold Test

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product:__________________ Time: _____________________

You receive a series of samples with increasing concentrations of one of the 4

taste qualities (sweet, salty, sour, bitter)*.
Start with Samples No. 1 and continue with Samples No. 2, No. 3, etc.
Retasting of already tested solutions is not allowed.
Describes the taste* and the feeling factors and give intensity scores.
Use the following intensity scale:
0 = None or pure water taste
? = Different from water, but taste quality not identifiable
X = Threshold very weak (identify the taste)
1 = Weak
2 = Medium
3 = Strong
4 = Very strong
5 = Extremely strong

Sample No. Description of Taste

and Feeling Factors
1 ____________________
2 ____________________
3 ____________________
4 ____________________
5 ____________________
6 ____________________
7 ____________________
8 ____________________
9 ____________________
10 ____________________
11 ____________________
12 ____________________

Signature
*To be modified for odour analysis.

• Dilution test
The dilution technique determines the smallest amount of test material that can
be detected when it is mixed with a standard material. The technique may
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provide information on relative intensities of treatment at comparable dilution Sensory Evaluation of
levels. Dilution testing is limited to food products that can be made Food Products
homogeneous without affecting the factor being tested.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the dilution test is as given below:

Format 6: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Dilution Test

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product*:_________________ Time: _____________________

Assign scores for each sample for various characteristics.

Quality Maximum Code No. or Samples

Attributes Score

Colour 20 _______ _______ _______ _______

Consistency 20 _______ _______ _______ _______

Flavour 40 _______ _______ _______ _______

Absence of defects 20 _______ _______ _______ _______

Total score 100 _______ _______ _______ _______

Comments

Signature
*The weighted rating is a typical score applicable to orange marmelades. For other products
similar scales have to be worked out..

Data from the dilution test is analyzed by finding the arithmetic or geometric
mean for the group and expressing as dilution number or dilution index, which
is defined as the percentage or ratio of the test substance in one mixture when
the substance is just identifiable.
b) Descriptive Tests
Descriptive tests attempt to identify sensory characteristics and quantify them.
Panelists are selected on their ability to perceive differences between test
procedures.
Descriptive tests are based on two types of methodologies:
i) Attribute rating: It involves:
• Category Scaling
Coded samples are presented simultaneously or sequentially in a balanced
order, which differs among the individual panel members. Category scales
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Food Analysis consists of a series of word phrases structured in ascending or descending
order of intensity and are used to measure the specific attributes (e.g.
sweetness, off-flavor etc.). For the purpose of analysis, successive digits are
later assigned to each point represented on the scale, usually beginning at the
end representing zero intensity. A statistical analysis (e.g. analysis of variance)
of the mean intensity scores for each sample is used to determine significant
differences among the mean scores for the sample represented.
• Ratio Scaling (Magnitude Estimation)
This test is used to estimate the relationship between physical intensity and
sensory magnitude. It can also be used for comparable ratings on specific
attributes among two or more products. The method permits the participants to
use a wide range of numbers of his/her own choice with the property that ratios
or proportions among the numerical assignments reflect ratios of sensory
intensities. The numerical ratings given to the first sample presented may be
any one of the subject’s choice, except zero or a negative value. Ratings given
to the succeeding samples should be in proportion to the rating assigned to the
first. The numbers assigned are subjected to statistical analysis after
normalization.
• Flavor Profile Analysis
The technique provides a written record of a product’s perceptible aroma and
flavor components, feeling factors and aftertastes. The panelist characterizes
individual aroma and flavor notes in the order perceived and assigns an
intensity value using a constant rating scale. A panel of four or five members is
normally used. Panelists independently examine the product under study,
record their impressions of aroma, flavor and aftertastes, then reports to a panel
leader in an open discussion. The final flavor profile, upon comparison with an
original profile, can show the effect of an ingredient substitution, a processing
change packaging, age etc.
• Texture Profile Analysis
This is a descriptive technique based on the principle of the flavor profile
method. It provides a systematic approach to measure the textural dimensions
of food in terms of mechanical, geometrical, fat and moisture characteristics.
The panel is composed of six to nine members. The findings of the panels are
recorded and a profile for similarities and differences is used for interpretation.
• Quantitative Descriptive Analysis
This technique utilizes an unstructured category scale and a panel of not less
than six trained panelists, and obtains repeated judgements from each panelist
for each test products.
Let us take an example of sensory evaluation for a sample of cookies. In order
to evaluate sensory attributes of cookies, following Descriptive Tests can be
undertaken:

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 Sensory Evaluation of
Texture Food Products

Surface 1 5 10
Smooth Rough

1 5 10
Dryness Oily Dry

1 5 10
Moisture absorption: None Much
Scale

Flavor

Sweet
1 5 10

Salty
1 5 10

Bitter
1 5 10

Scale

14.5.2 Affective (Preference and Acceptance) Tests

Affective tests refer to preference testing based on the measurement of
preference, or a measure from which relative preference may be determined,
e.g. pleasure-displeasure, like-dislike.
Preference may be defined as:
a) Expression of higher degree of liking, and
b) Choice of one object over others.
Preference is only one of the many factors involved in acceptance.
Acceptance may be defined as:
a) An experience or feature of experience, characterized by a positive attitude;
and/or
b) Actual utilization of the product.
Acceptability is inferred from scale ratings.

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Food Analysis There are three types of affective tests; Paired – Performance Test, Ranking
Test and Rating Scale.

i) Paired – Performance Test

In the simplest application of a paired-performance test for preference, two
samples are presented, simultaneously or sequentially. The Panelist is
requested to express a preference based on the specific attributes, the reason
for preference may be included if desired. The method may also be applied to
make multiple paired – comparisons within a sample series, i.e. a standard
product vs each of several experimental products.

ii) Ranking Test

This is an extension of the paired-preference test approach. Three or more
coded samples are presented simultaneously, sufficient in amount so that the
panelist can check back on his or her first impression. The subject is asked to
assign an order to the sample according to his or her preference. The amount of
liking (or disliking) for individual samples cannot be adequately determined by
this method.

iii) Rating Scale

Scale ratings reflect panelist’s perceived intensities of a specified attribute
under a given set of conditions. Various rating scales have been developed and
used:
a) Hedonic Rating Scale
This test is used to measure the level of liking for food products by a
population. It may be applied in testing for presence or acceptance. The
method relies on panelist’s capacities to report directly and reliably, their
feelings of like and dislike. Several variations of the traditional nine-point
hedonic scale have been used effectively. These include:
• Reduced number of rating categories, although not fewer than five is
recommended.
• A greater number of “like” rating categories than “dislike”,
• Omission of the neutral rating categories by caricatures representing
degrees of pleasure and displeasure (facial hedonic scale), and
• Use of non-structured, non-numerical line scale anchored with “like” and
“dislike” on opposite ends.
The panelist is asked to evaluate each sample and mark the scales accordingly.
Instructions must not influence the panelist’s response. Hedonic scale ratings
are converted to numerical scores, and statistical analysis is applied to
determine difference in degree of liking between or among samples. A hedonic
rating test can yield both absolute and relative information about the test
samples. Absolute information is derived from the degree of liking or disliking
indicated for each sample and relative information is derived from the direction
and degree of difference between or among the sample scores.
The data from the hedonic scale ratings are evaluated by rank sum analysis,
t-test or chi square test.

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 Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the hedonic scale test is as below:

Format 7: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Hedonic Scale

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product:__________________ Time: _____________________

Test this sample and check appropriate box how much you like or dislike.
Use the appropriate scale to show your attitude by checking at the point that
best describes your feeling about the sample.
Please give your reason for this attitude.
Remember you are the only one who can tell what you like.
An honest expression of your personal feeling will help us.

Code No.

Like extremely

Like very much

Like moderately

Like slightly

Neither like nor dislike

Dislike slightly

Dislike moderately

Dislike very much

Dislike extremely

Comments.

Signature

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Food Analysis Format 8: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Hedonic Scale (facial)

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product:__________________ Time: _____________________

Please check the box under the figure which best describes how you feel
about this product.

Signature

b) Food Action Scale Rating

This test may be used to measure the level of acceptance of food products by a
population. The scale is not applicable for rating specific characteristics; rather
it is a measure of general attitude towards food product. This rating scale
includes action as well as affective type statements. Nine successive rating
categories ranging from “I would eat this every time it, I have an opportunity”
to “I would eat this only if I were forced to” are represented. Samples are
presented sequentially in a balanced order, and the panelist is told to decide
which of the statements on the scale best represents his or her attitude. Subjects
are allowed to make their own inferences about the meaning of the scale
categories. The scale ratings are converted to numerical scores to facilitate
analysis of data.
The data is evaluated using the evaluation card having the judgement of the
panelist. A typical evaluation card for the dilution test is as below:
Let us take another example for sensory evaluation of a product for customer
acceptance and preference. For evaluating sensory attributes of a soft drink,
following Acceptance Tests can be undertaken:
Taste : Water-like
Strongly sweet
Sweet
Salty
Strongly salty
Medicinal
Viscosity : Less Viscous (e.g. water-like)
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 Highly viscous (e.g. honey-like) Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
Consistency : Homogeneous
Heterogeneous

Format 9: Specimen Evaluation Card for-Food Action Scale Rating

Name: ___________________ Date:______________________

Product:__________________ Time: _____________________

Indicate in appropriate box which of nine statements on the following scale

best represent your attitude towards the product.

Code No._______________

I would eat this every opportunity I had

I would eat this very often

I would frequently eat this

I like this and would eat it now and then

I would eat this if available but would not go out of my way

I don’t like it would eat it on an occasion

I would hardly ever eat this

I would eat this only if there were no other food choices

I would eat this only if I were forced to

Comments.
Note –– The word ‘eat’ may be replaced by ‘drink’, ‘buy’ or ‘use’.

Signature

14.6 APPLICATIONS OF SENSORY EVALUATION

The sensory evaluation tests are commonly being use in food industry as well
as certain other industrial applications as follows:
1) New Product Development
Some new products are unique, but most of them are imitations or variations of
some established standards. In either case, the product developer needs
information on acceptability to consumers as an input for marketing. The
acceptability of products can be evaluated following the given sequence:

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Food Analysis a) Characterization of product prototype sample to determine uniqueness.
b) Evaluation of the experimental prototype samples to establish whether
differences exist among them.
c) Determination of whether the prototype samples meet the acceptability
requirements established for the product.
2) Product Improvement/Process change/cost reduction
Improvement in the products can be judged based on sensory evaluation in
following ways:
a) Difference tests to determine whether the experimental product is the same
or different from the control.
b) Affective test: If product differs, to establish whether the experimental
product is liked more than the control.
3) Quality Control
Representative samples are usually evaluated by difference tests and
descriptive tests to ensure that the end product is having all the required
qualities during production, distribution and marketing.
4) Storage Stability studies
These are conducted to establish information on product shelf life during
transportation, warehousing, retailing and during storage. Representative
samples are obtained, evaluated initially and then at specific time intervals of
storage. Sensory tests are also used to determine product storage stability such
as:
a) Difference tests to determine whether the storage samples are different
from the control (if no significant difference is found, product stability is
assumed).
b) Descriptive tests used alone or in conjunction with difference tests, to
characterize and/or quantify the changes that may have occurred during
storage.
c) Acceptance tests to determine the relative acceptance of stored product.
5) Product grading or Rating
This requires an accurate classification of samples according to the grade
standards defined for the product; as well as an evaluation of samples in
relation to each other. Category scoring or ratio scaling based on the presence
and intensity of selected characteristics may be used to measure samples
against standard specifications set for the product.

# Check Your Progress Exercise 2

Note: a) Use the space below for your answers.
b) Check your answers with those given at the end of the unit.
1) What is required for sensory evaluation test?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
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 ……………………………………………………………………………… Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
………………………………………………………………………………
2) Which test measures quantitative characteristics of a product and how?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
3) What is Affective tests and what are the types of affective tests?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
4) What are the different types of rating scales?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

14.7 KEY WORDS

Sensory Analysis : Examination of organoleptic attributes of a
product by the sense organs.
Sensory (adj.) : Relating to the use of the sense organs.
Organoleptlc (adj.) : Relating to an attribute of a product
perceptible by the sense organs.
Sensation (noun) : Subjective reaction resulting from sensory
stimulation.
Assessor (sensory) : Any person taking part in a sensory test.
(noun)
Attribute (noun) : Perceptible characteristic.
Acceptability (noun) : State of product favourably received by a
given individual or population, in terms of its
organoleptic attributes.
Acceptance (noun) : The act of a given individual or population of
finding that a product answers satisfactorily
to his/her/its expectations.

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Food Analysis
Preference (noun) : Expression of the emotional state or reaction
of an assessor which leads him/her to find
one product better than one or several others.
Discrimination (noun) : Act or qualitative and/or quantitative
differentiation between two or more stimuli.
Hedonic (adj.) : Relating to like or dislike.
Quality (noun) : Collection of features and characteristics of a
product or service that confer its ability to
satisfy stated or implied needs.
Product (noun) : Edible or inedible matter which can be
evaluated by sensory analysis. Examples:
food products, cosmetics, textile and fabrics.
Bias (noun) : Systematic errors which may be positive or
negative.

# 14.8 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISE
Check Your Progress Exercise 1
Your answer should include following points:
1) Sensory Evaluation is defined as “a scientific discipline used to evoke,
measure, analyze and interpret reactions to those characteristics of foods
and materials as they are perceived by the senses of sight, taste, touch and
hearing”.
2) Sensory evaluation is normally carried out by designed experiments under
proper environmental conditions by both trained and untrained person and
they are called sensory panel.
3) There are three types of panels:
i) Trained Panel (Laboratory Panel)
ii) Discriminatative and communicative Panel (semitrained Panel)
iii) Untrained Panel (Cosumer Panel)

Check Your Progress Exercise 2

Your answer should include following points:
1) Selection of the proper panel:
i) Maintaining suitable environmental conditions and use of standard
equipment for the test;
ii) Obtaining representative samples;
iii) Preparation and presentation of samples for evaluation in a manner that
ensures the uniformity and representation of the samples; and
iv) Selection of the proper methods and statistical techniques.
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2) Descriptive tests using scaling and profiling methods. Sensory Evaluation of
Food Products
3) Affective tests refer to preference testing based on the measurement of
preference, or a measure from which relative preference may be
determined, e.g. pleasure-displeasure, like-dislike.
There are three types of affective tests:
i) Paired – Performance Test
ii) Ranking Test
iii) Rating Scale (Hedonic Rating Scale, Food Action Scale Rating)
4) i) Hedonic Rating Scale
ii) Food Action Scale Rating

14.9 SOME USEFUL BOOKS

Sensory Evaluation Guide for Testing of Food and Beverage Products. By
Sensory Evaluation Division, Institute of Food Technologists; Food
Technology, November 1981; 50-59.
Handbook of Analysis and Quality Control for Fruits and Vegetable Products.
S. Ranganna, II Edn. 1994. Tata Mc Graw-Hill Publishing Co. N. Delhi.
Chapter 19: Sensory Evaluation.
IS 6273 – 1974 (Reaffirmed 2002): Guide for Sensory Evaluation of Foods;
Part I: Optimum Requirements.
IS 6273 – 1974 (Reaffirmed 2002): Guide for Sensory Evaluation of Foods;
Part II: Methods and Evaluation Cards.
IS 5126 – 1996/ISO 5492 - 1992 (Reaffirmed 2001): Sensory Analysis –
Vocabulary.
IS 8140 – 1976 (Reaffirmed 2002): Guide for Selection of Panel for Sensory
Evaluation of Foods and Beverages.

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