Discrimination Testing and Product Decisions

Respondents were given beverages containing different amounts of sweetener. Two types of experimental evaluations were performed. In the first type (paired preferences, double triangle discrimination testing), respondents were tested for ability to discriminate differences between beverages having different sweetener levels and also were asked to indicate which they preferred. In the second type (magnitude estimation), respondents gave numerical ratings to product attributes. In both instances the sweeter products were preferred, or liked more. Discriminating respondents, as identified from the double triangle test or from their ability to track sweetness numerically by ratings, showed the same pattern of preferences as did the total population. Hence, the use of a “discriminating” panel of respondents to assess sensory differences may not necessarily afford better product decisions.