THREE TYPES OF DIFFERENCE SENSORY TEST

Figure 1.Scorecard of difference testing.

Using a group of untrained student panelists, 19 people (both male and female), a basic sensory test was conducted using applesauce. Figure 1 shows the scorecard format used to conduct this test. Three types of tests were given; a Triangle Test, a Duo-Trio Test, and a Ranking Test. Approximately 64 oz. Of Seneca, 100% Natural Applesauce (with no sugar added) was place into a glass bowl.

In one sample of applesauce, nothing was added (967). In the second sample, one cup of sugar was added (211). In the third sample, 1/2 cup sugar and less than 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon oil (435). The parentheses indicates the three digit random number given to the samples. Approximately three ounces of each sample were put into paper portion cups with the correct code on the outside and placed on a plate for tasting. Plastic spoons (one for each sample, to avoid mixing flavors) and a paper cup with cold water for rinsing the palate between tastes, were also passed out.

RESULTS OF SENSORY TESTS

Table 1 illustrates the ease of picking out the sample that had cinnamon added to it. The one person who picked sample 211, may have incorrectly marked the scorecard or may have had a cold that might have affected their sense of smell. {Note: one panelists forgot to respond to this test, therefore there are 18 responses.}

Table 1.

TRIANGLE TEST

Select sample that has a different fragrance.
SAMPLE #
# OF PANELISTS
RESPONDING
435
17
967
0
211
1

Table 2, illustrates the ease in tasting a difference in both samples. {Note: On the plate with the samples, sample 435 should have been on the left and not in the middle. The test intended on having the plain sample be the reference sample. It is correct on the scorecard. This does not really affect the results because all three samples were different and should have been detected as such.}

Table 2.

DUO-TRIO TEST

Determine whether 967, 211, or both samples differ from the control sample (435)

SAMPLE #
# OF PANELISTS
RESPONDING
435
0
967
0
211
0
Neither sample is different
0
Both samples are different
19

The correct response would have been: (least sweet) 967 435 211 (most sweet).

It is interesting to note that one of the panelists made a comment that sample 435 was "too sweet". This sample had 1/2 cup of sugar less than sample 211.

Table 3.

RANKING TEST

Rank samples from least sweet to most sweet.

CORRECT RESPONSE
INCORRECT RESPONSE
13
6

Updated 8/29/97. Send mail to Food Resource, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.