Sensory Taste Research in New York

Sensory taste research is at the forefront of product innovation, offering businesses the insights they need to deliver flavors that resonate with consumers.
Sensory testing is essential for product development, from perfecting recipes to understanding the nuances of consumer preferences. With its vibrant mix of cultures and global influence, New York offers an unparalleled sensory taste research environment.
Table of Contents
What is Sensory Taste Research in New York?
Sensory taste research is a scientific approach to understanding how consumers perceive and experience flavors, textures, and other sensory attributes of food and beverages.
The process typically involves evaluating multiple sensory factors, such as sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, and mouthfeel.
Additionally, sensory taste research bridges the gap between product development and consumer satisfaction. It ensures that products meet regulatory standards and cater to evolving market trends, such as the demand for healthier, sustainable, and plant-based options.
Why New York is the Ideal Location for Sensory Taste Research

New York is a prime destination for sensory taste research due to its unique cultural diversity and culinary influence.
The city’s status as a culinary capital also plays a vital role. From Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant street food scenes, New York sets trends that influence food and beverage industries worldwide.
Benefits of Sensory Taste Research for Businesses
Enhanced Product Quality:
Sensory taste research helps businesses refine formulations, ensuring flavors and textures resonate with target audiences.
Risk Mitigation During Product Launches:
By identifying potential issues such as imbalanced flavors or unappealing textures, companies can address problems before products hit the market, saving time and resources.
Brand Differentiation:
Unique, optimized flavors developed through sensory research set products apart in a crowded marketplace, fostering customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Guided Marketing Strategies:
Sensory research insights inform marketing efforts by highlighting the sensory experiences that appeal most to consumers, creating compelling campaigns.
Adaptation to Market Trends:
Sensory taste research enables businesses to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, such as plant-based foods, sugar-free alternatives, or exotic flavor profiles, keeping products relevant.
Cost Efficiency:
Testing and refining products before launch minimize production errors and costly recalls, ensuring resources are used effectively.
Improved Consumer Engagement:
Research involving consumer panels provides direct feedback, creating products that align with real-world expectations and increasing satisfaction.
Sensory Taste Research: Market Insights & Key Statistics
| Category | Key Finding | Data/Metric | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Size | Global food sensory testing market value and projected growth | $28.93 billion (projected), growing at 8.62% CAGR through 2033 | Business Research Insights |
| Testing Methods | Most popular sensory method used in new product development | Discrimination tests (37.8% adoption rate) | PMC – National Institutes of Health |
| Industry Adoption | Companies applying sensory evaluation methods in product development | Nearly 70% of food companies use sensory evaluation in NPD | PMC – National Institutes of Health |
| Consumer Testing | Hedonic scale effectiveness in measuring product liking | 9-point hedonic scale is the standard measure (1=”dislike extremely” to 9=”like extremely”) | ScienceDirect Topics |
| Gender Differences | Taste identification accuracy varies by gender in healthy controls | Women show higher identification rates for suprathreshold taste stimuli | PMC – National Institutes of Health |
| Quality of Life Impact | Validated domains affected by chemosensory dysfunction | 8 key domains: distorted chemosensation, emotional, food/meals, social, hygiene, danger, work, relationships | PubMed Central |
| Technology Adoption | Advanced technologies revolutionizing sensory testing | Electronic noses and tongues provide precise, rapid assessments with objective measurements | DataIntelo |
| Testing Reliability | Test-retest reliability in validated sensory questionnaires | Reliability ranges from 0.55 to 0.86 across sensory domains | PMC – National Institutes of Health |
| Panel Size Requirements | Recommended consumer panel size for affective testing | Minimum 50+ untrained consumers for reliable consumer preference data | Wikipedia – Sensory Analysis |
| Service Market Growth | Sensory analysis and consumer research services market expansion | $9.8 billion projected by 2033, growing at 7.5% CAGR | Verified Market Reports |
| Methodological Innovation | Organizations using hybrid sensory research methods | Over 70% utilize hybrid approaches combining qualitative and quantitative methods | Verified Market Reports |
| Consumer Insights | Product teams relying on quantitative benchmarks for validation | 74% of product development teams use quantitative data to validate formulation changes | Verified Market Reports |
Methodologies Used in Sensory Taste Research in New York

One of the most common techniques is hedonic testing, where participants rate their liking for a product on a structured scale.
Another widely used method is descriptive analysis, which involves trained panelists identifying and quantifying specific sensory attributes, such as sweetness, bitterness, or crunchiness.
Preference mapping is another critical methodology that combines consumer preferences with sensory data to identify the ideal product profile. Additionally, discrimination tests detect subtle differences between products, helping brands make informed decisions during product reformulation.
Advanced technologies like electronic tongues and data analysis software enhance sensory research, providing precise measurements and predictive insights. When tailored to each project’s unique goals, these methodologies deliver actionable results that guide product innovation and marketing strategies.
Consumer Panels: The Backbone of Sensory Taste Research in New York
Consumer panels are at the heart of sensory taste research in New York, providing essential feedback that shapes product development and refinement.
The composition of a consumer panel is crucial to the success of sensory research. For example, panels in New York benefit from the city’s unparalleled diversity, enabling researchers to tap into varied cultural backgrounds, dietary habits, and flavor preferences.
Consumer panels typically participate in blind taste tests, hedonic evaluations, and focus groups. In these settings, panelists share their perceptions of taste, texture, aroma, and overall product satisfaction. Their responses are analyzed to uncover trends, preferences, and areas for improvement, helping businesses create products that align with consumer expectations.
Sensory Testing Methods: Industry Adoption & Usage Statistics
Comparative analysis of sensory evaluation methods used in new product development across the food and beverage industry
Facility Location: New York City
11 E 22nd Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10010 T: +1(212) 505-6805
Location Highlights:
- Flatiron District in Manhattan, steps away from the historic Flatiron building and close to Madison Square Park and Union Square
- Centrally located in the heart of New York City, a major global city and the largest city in the United States
- Convenient to numerous transportation options
- Located between Broadway and Park Avenue on 22nd street, next to the “Key Bank”
- Broadway Local R Train – 22/23rd Station
- Eastside local 6 train- 23rd and Park Ave Station
- Westside local 1 train – 23rd and 6th Avenue Station
What Makes SIS International a Top Sensory Taste Research Company?
SIS International is renowned for its precise and impactful sensory taste research in New York expertise. Our comprehensive approach ensures businesses gain in-depth insights that lead to superior product development and market success. Here are the key reasons why SIS is the top choice for sensory taste research:
Proven Expertise:
With over 40 years of experience, our specialists have honed their understanding of consumer preferences, ensuring we consistently provide actionable insights that improve product quality and consumer satisfaction.
Global Reach with Local Expertise:
While we have a global presence, our deep knowledge of local markets, such as New York, allows us to tailor sensory research to specific demographic and cultural preferences, ensuring relevance in diverse markets.
Cutting-Edge Technology:
We leverage the latest technological advancements, including AI, machine learning, electronic noses, and sensory data analytics, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of our sensory evaluations.
Experienced Consumer Panels:
Our carefully selected consumer panels represent a broad spectrum of demographics, ensuring our research captures diverse taste preferences.
Rigorous Testing Protocols:
At SIS International, we adhere to the highest standards of quality and consistency. Our rigorous testing protocols ensure that every sensory test is conducted under controlled conditions, delivering reliable, replicable results that inform business decisions.
Comprehensive Data Analysis:
Our team of experts is skilled at interpreting complex sensory data and translating it into actionable insights that guide product development, marketing strategies, and innovation. We go beyond basic taste tests to offer a deep understanding of consumer behavior and preferences.
Innovation-Driven Approach:
We are committed to staying ahead of market trends and continuously innovating our research techniques. Whether exploring new technologies or understanding emerging consumer behaviors, SIS International ensures that our research methodologies evolve with the industry.
Strategic Location:
Based in New York, we are uniquely positioned to tap into a diverse consumer base and offer insights that reflect local and global trends. Our location also provides easy access to major food and beverage hubs, enhancing our research capabilities.
Commitment to Client Success:
Our priority is helping our clients succeed. We offer ongoing support and consultation, ensuring that the insights from our sensory taste research are effectively implemented to achieve business goals. Our team’s dedication to your success sets us apart.
About SIS International
SIS International offers Quantitative, Qualitative, and Strategy Research. We provide data, tools, strategies, reports, and insights for decision-making. We also conduct interviews, surveys, focus groups, and other Market Research methods and approaches. Contact us for your next Market Research project.

