Discrimination Tests

Discrimination Tests Sensory Analysis are used when differences among products are questionable. For example, is there are perceived difference (appearance, aroma, taste, texture or sound) between the two products?

A difference test can be performed with a trained panel, that is familiar with the product category, to detect possible small variances among product samples. This would be useful, when a product is expected to be perceived as the same, when it has undergone small processing, or ingredient changes, or in quality control. 

A difference test can also be run with a consumer panel, to establish how large a portion of the users of the product would detect differences between two similar products, if any.