The improvement in food production comes with the challenge of ensuring the quality of the product while aiming toward the goal of sustainability. Sensory testing, which is a vital technique for evaluating how consumers engage with a product, is usually done so without any regard for sustainability. Here at CD BioSciences this paradigm is shifted as we combine robust sensory science with sustainable practices. Through this approach, we enable food manufacturers to provide unparalleled sensory satisfaction while mitigating their ecological impact-all in complete alignment with current market demands.
We undertake sensory evaluation of the completed food product using systematic analysis of the taste, the aroma, and the texture, the image, and the aftertaste of the product. We also utilize human panels and our instrumentation to offer relevant recommendations regarding product development, the stability of the product over time, and the acceptance of the product by the consumers. As opposed to standard procedures, our protocols replace sample and testing materials with more sustainable options, such as biodegradable materials and minimal volume samples, ensuring compliance with circular economy principles.
Sensation testing is situated at the intersection of psychophysics and materials science. Using tools such as electronic noses and texture analyzers, trained evaluators capture both subjective and objective data. The evaluators, trained under standards, employ calibrated scales (9-point hedonic, line scaling) to quantify perceptions. After that, the sensory features and physical attributes are analyzed using statistical software (PCA, ANOVA) to find the causes of the problems. Thus, the reason of bitterness in plant-based proteins is identified by peptide profiles and targeting specific amino acids through GC-MS analysis for reformulation and optimization purposes.
Our testing finds products' formulation shortcomings earlier than others, thus, minimizing product recall risks (avoiding ~15% annual waste in client operations). Lab processes that consume energy are more efficient, and so are the consumables which can be thrown away (composed) thus reducing non-biodegradable waste plastics by 80%. In addition, our client's brands are steered toward making more environmentally acceptable choices (e.g., simplistic non branded products), which leads to sustainability from the market.
We offer a comprehensive suite of sensory testing services, including:
When sensory appeal and environmental stewardship are non-negotiable, CD BioSciences does more than carry out tests-we build a powerful link between brand satisfaction and planetary wellbeing. Our accreditation and zero-waste policy enables us to empower clients to dominate markets where quality and sustainability are not competing but working in synergy. Join us in changing sensory problems into a true source of innovation and impact.
Reference
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.