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Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives


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January 2008

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Sensory Evaluation Services

Appealing to the Senses

The objective evaluation of a food product by trained and unbiased panelists is a valuable tool in tailoring a product for a specific market. The sensory properties of a food product are the key to its success in the highly competitive marketplace. The sensory properties (product appeal) of a food product play a major role in the consumer's decision to make initial and repeat purchases.

Product appeal is determined by properties such as the appearance, taste, aroma, sound and texture of a food product. FDC Product Development staff translate subjective opinions about a product's sensory properties into quantitative data that can be used to optimize the product formulation.

Why Evaluate Sensory Perception?

  • To assess the effects of changes in raw materials on a finished product

  • To assess the effects of processing methods on a finished product

  • To assist in the quality control of raw materials and finished products

  • To optimize products for their target markets

  • To determine the shelf life of food products

  • To monitor the effect of packaging materials and methods on products

  • To assess consumer preferences

Consultation on the establishment of an in-house sensory program, including the training of panelists and sensory analysts, is also available. FDC Product Development staff can correlate sensory properties with instrumental, physical or chemical analyses for other types of analysis.

Contact the FDC Product Development Group Leader for more information about FDC sensory analysis services.

 
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