Analytical approaches to flavor research and discovery: from sensory-guided techniques to flavoromics methods

Abstract

This review examines analytical methodology for food flavor analysis. Traditionally, flavor chemistry research has relied on sensory-guided chromatography techniques to identify individual compounds responsible for aroma or taste activity. Among the over 12,000 volatile compounds identified in foods, hundreds have been linked to aroma characteristics, and many taste-active compounds have also been discovered. However analytical methods based on singular compound evaluation are not without limitation and can overlook drivers of flavor perception by ignoring potential stimuli (i.e. antagonists, modulators), interactions among stimuli, and sub-threshold activity. More recently, chemical profiling methods coupled with multivariate analysis, termed flavoromics, have led to advances in flavor research. Utilization of flavoromic methods provides additional opportunities to define chemical stimuli that influence flavor profiles and qualities of food, as well as their contributions to complex perceptions, such as consumer acceptance.