Product Taste Testing

Product Taste Testing is a crucial element of consumer research. It forms part of the management and development of existing and new foods. Without it, there would not be fair opinions. Hence, taste testing helps with the fairness of the target consumer groups. Thus, it is a critical element of product benchmarking.

What is Product Taste Testing?

Partakers grade the product’s taste. They may give it a single grade or rate it with other products. In doing so, the product’s brand names and packaging are not present. Brands usually do the taste test at a central location, but the testers can also do it at a person’s home. For consumer products, the term “taste test” means product testing.

When consumers receive products for tasting, the test usually covers all sensory dimensions. These include:

• Mouth Feel
• Appearance
• Aroma (odor)
• Aftertaste
• Texture

Why is Product Taste Testing Important?

Performing a taste test is essential. It helps businesses to understand how their product will perform. It gives them an insight into the minds of the target consumer group. Product taste testing also tells them what their target customers think of their product.

Only a controlled taste test can find a completely unexpected problem. Then the brand corrects the problem. So, now your product is on the road to a successful launch. Still, it is best to conduct extensive taste testing. This route ensures that the reported results are valid. In short, it is essential to find out if you have discovered all possible problems. It’s part of the process of a product launch.

Key Job Titles

• Chief Product Officer (CPO)
• Individual Donors
• Advisor
• Analyst
• Design Consultant
• Design Engineer
• Engineer
• Owner
• Product Specialist
• Technician
• VP Product Management
• Product Manager
• Director of Product Management

Why Businesses Need Product Taste Testing

The product gains a chance to sell itself: if it is excellent, it will sell itself. It is a marketing tool because if customers love an item, they will stick to it. When that happens, the company gains a customer for life.

The company’s values align with customer interests: Once the seller tests the product, it helps the company set expectations. Hence, brands can communicate with each potential customer. They can tell them what to expect from the product and how to use it. By doing so, brands can align the interests of customers with the company’s values. Doing so helps to strengthen further the relationships they are trying to build. They build these relationships through exposure to their products.

Key Success Factors

Brands have access to three standard testing methods. Using at least one of these methods will ensure the success of product taste testing. These include:

Comparative Testing: In the comparative test, participants view two or more products at the same time. They try them all at first and then state which one they prefer.

Triangle Testing: Brands use this method for finding differences. In other words, participants taste three products. Two of them are the same, and one is different. Then, after tasting all three products, the tester asked them which one was odd.

Monadic Testing: The Monadic test involves showing each participant a single product. Then they ask them for their reactions.

Other success factors are:

• Competitive benchmarking
• Zero outside influence.
• Cost-efficiency
• The separation of the evaluation of products from experiences in real life
• Clarifying whether the participants like or dislike the product

About Product Taste Testing

Are you planning to launch a new product and consider product taste testing a viable option? At SIS, we offer a range of research services, including focus groups, quantitative and qualitative research, and strategic analysis to help your company succeed. Trying out a taste test for your product can enhance its likelihood of success.