How Does a Research Taste Test Work?

Many companies run taste testing studies and trials before a product is released to the public. This may seem like common knowledge, but the details most people don’t know about are interesting and showcase why taste tests are conducted.

Why Taste-Testing is Necessary

Things that don’t taste good are not popular. Consumers tend to pick foods and supplements that taste better over bland or bad-tasting equivalents.

Food, supplement, and pharmaceutical manufacturers want to make sure their product works and that it tastes good. This is why many manufacturers reach out to research labs to conduct taste testing. Research labs will get the results and look at specific things to make sure manufacturers get important data to make the best tasting product they can.

Who Does Taste-Testing?

The subject groups in most taste testing studies can be composed of just about anyone. Some studies will have a few stipulations in place for specific conditions that may affect test results. Test groups are then observed and asked questions about different tastes.

Taste Tests are usually conducted by licensed research laboratories. Studies are conducted professionally and take all the necessary precautions before each session. No two labs are identical, so giving specifics on lab testing needs to be done by any laboratory you are curious about.

What Does Taste Testing Accomplish?

Taste-testing benefits both manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturing a beneficial product that tastes good will attract more consumers. Consumers are more likely to eat foods or take supplements that taste good.

Benefits of the research itself include:

• Getting real-time responses from testers. This enables follow-up questions and suggestions to come directly from a taste test subject.
• Assisting product development. Testers may have more comments than just the taste–the shape and texture of certain foods and supplements may be improved.
• Asking questions. Taste testers may have questions that researchers haven’t thought about, leading to a more in-depth study focus.

How Does a Taste Test Work?

Every research laboratory is different. Some taste tests may even be held at different locations, depending on the scope of the study. Reading about current taste tests is the best way to learn about current trends and procedures regarding the industry as a whole.

The most important thing for both researchers and consumers is to make sure to be transparent. Both parties having knowledge about all aspects of the taste test will lead to a smooth test that is easy for both sides to understand.

Learn more about taste testing at Biofortis by clicking here.

Research at Biofortis

Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways—through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.