Comparación de la estimación de vida útil sensorial de una bebida en dos emplazamientos

Sensory Shelf-Life (SSL) estimation of a product consists of the sensory evaluation of a set of samples with different storage times,in whichthe test location plays an important role. The test location not only defineshow the product is sampled and perceived, but it can also lead to different results with a given set of samplesand consumers. This study comparedthe SSLestimation affected by two test locations: Central Location Test (CLT) and Home Use Test (HUT). Lemon-flavouredjuice was used as a case study.IntheCLT, 112consumers tested50ml ofthesample (a small serving),whereasintheHUT, 300consumers received a wholesealedbottle and tasted their regular consumptionserving. In both cases, consumerswere asked to express a decisionof acceptance or rejection(“Would you normally consume this product? Yes or No”). Data wasanalysedusing survival analysis statistics. No significant differences were found when estimating SSL in HUT and CLT.This may be considered as the starting point for future investigations thatcancertainly confirmthat the estimation of the SSL can be carried out by means of aconventional test, in CLT, considering its advantagesin terms ofcost and time invested.