Flavorchem expands sensory-testing capabilities for flavor development for food, beverage

Pictured: A dedicated sensory testing booth at Flavorchem’s SRS Center for Taste Innovation. Photo from Flavorchem.

Flavorchem (Downers Grove, IL) continues expanding its sensory-testing capabilities to help manufacturers develop foods and beverages. Such testing includes “discrimination testing” (evaluating the similarities and differences between two products), consumer testing (using panel feedback on consumer perceptions), and “descriptive testing” (flavor assessment by a trained panel of judges).

The company’s 25,000-sq-ft SRS Center for Taste Innovation, which opened in Downers Grove, IL, in 2020, now includes a four-booth sensory room for blind and controlled sensory testing using tools like sensory software, a silent notification system, and a Halo air purification system to eliminate outside aromas.

“Our newly developed sensory offerings were designed to optimize the product development process, deliver purpose-driven results, and help our customers launch on-trend products that consumers will love,” said Niki Hernandez, R&D manager and senior flavorist at the company, in a press release. “Additional services include specified panelist training, focus groups, data analysis, online research, and custom survey design to highlight key product attributes.”