Solution — Sensory Analysis
Your formula is unique. Prove it objectively.
Texture, fragrance, touch, or visual appearance: while sensory experience is inherently subjective, it is nonetheless measurable. SYRES breaks down each interaction into quantified attributes to transform perception into verifiable data. An essential tool for comparing your formulas, ensuring the success of a reformulation, or validating an indisputable sensory claim.
When should you use it?
Four situations that trigger a sensory study
Sensory analysis answers specific questions: Is your new formula perceived as lighter? Does your fragrance stand out from the competition? Has the reformulation degraded the texture? Identify your situation on the right to determine which method is appropriate.
Our expert panel
Your device sensory metrology
Our judges are not naive consumers. They were recruited based on proven sensory abilities—the capacity to detect, verbalize, and memorize—and have been continuously trained for over three years. Their performance is regularly assessed. This is what makes the results reliable, comparable, and publishable.
3 fundamental qualities of the panel
A sensory panel is only reliable if it combines three properties simultaneously. This is what SYRES guarantees and continuously evaluates — whereas a generalist provider recruits on the fly.
- Discriminatory — detects even the slightest sensory differences between products
- Consensual — very similar ratings between judges, by descriptor and by product
- Reproducible — almost identical results for the same product at different times
Recruitment & training
- Selection based on demonstrated sensory abilities (acuity, perceptual memory)
- Ability to verbalize and remember perceptions
- Continuing education on descriptors and rating scales
- Regular evaluation of individual and team performance
Our expert panel constitutes your metrology device. It advantageously replaces any measuring instrument for complex sensory properties — where physical sensors fail to capture human perception.
Methods
The right method for each question
From expert profiles to hedonic testing for the general public, SYRES selects and combines approaches according to your objective — formula development, reformulation, benchmarking or validation before launch.
Classical Sensory Profile (QDA)
Comprehensive description and quantification of sensory attributes by a trained expert panel: odor intensity, texture, flavor, visual appearance, sound. Study conducted according to the principles of ISO 11035. Produces a descriptive profile in radar chart format, usable in R&D and steering committees.
Duo and triangular tests
Statistical detection of perceptible differences between two formulas — before/after reformulation, change of process or supplier. Binary response analyzed according to the principles of ISO 5495 and ISO 4120 protocols.
Flash profile
Rapid positioning of multiple products within a shared sensory space. Ideal for competitive analysis or formula selection in the exploratory phase — results in one session.
CATA / RATA
Consumers select terms from a predefined list that describe their perceptions. This is a quick and scalable method for collecting sensory and emotional data from very large panels.
Hedonic tests
Measurement of overall and attribute-specific appreciation. Preference, acceptability, and purchase intention. Conducted in a center or at home (HUT) on a representative sample of your target audience.
Sensory-hedonic correlation / Preference mapping
Linking expert panel descriptors to consumer preferences to identify key attributes of product acceptability. Bridging the gap between objective measurement and market preference.
Tests are carried out on raw materials or finished products, at SYRES centers (Paris, Chavenay, Singapore) or in decentralized conditions according to the protocol.
Typical deliverables
Data that makes choosing
Each SYRES deliverable is designed to be directly presentable — in development meetings, steering committee meetings or in a launch package.
Integrated approach
Sensory + Consumer Tests:
a single protocol
The expert panel accurately identifies and quantifies a product's sensory attributes. Consumer testing then validates acceptability and preference on a large scale among your actual target audience. The two approaches complement each other. — and at SYRES, they are integrated into a single protocol.
Example: A QDA profile documents the differences between two cream formulas. A hedonic test on 150 consumers confirms which one is preferred—and why. The final deliverable combines a descriptive radar chart profile and preference score in a single actionable report.
Other services
Explore our other approaches
Consumer TestsConsumer Tests
Sensory analysis identifies attributes. Consumer testing validates acceptability on a large scale. The two are naturally linked within the same SYRES protocol.
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Marketing StudiesMarketing Studies
Concept, packaging, price, purchase intent — before launch.
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Exploratory StudiesExploratory Studies
Focus groups, interviews, ethnography and online surveys.
DiscoverStart a project
A question about your formula?Our experts will respond within 48 hours.
A brief, a time constraint, a doubt about the method? We offer you the protocol adapted to your product and your target claims.
Response within 24 hours · Free quote · Panel available immediately