Is it the name, or is it the impact? A sensory and consumer science changing with the times.

Abstract

This commentary to the paper written by Jaeger et al. (2024), emphasizes the crucial role of sensory experiences in shaping food behaviour, focusing on the individual, the food, the context, and their interactions, and how this links to the definition of Sensory and Consumer science as a discipline. In this context, it explores the scope, boundaries, identity, community, methodologies, theories, frameworks, and educational programs within the area of knowledge. The paper highlights the discipline's responsibility to tackle societal challenges, advocating for flexibility and responsiveness. It reflects on the historical and philosophical roots of sensory science, calling for a stronger theoretical foundation and more standardized educational programs to better define the discipline's scope and to have a stronger impact. This piece argues for the discipline's role in driving societal change and addressing contemporary issues, positioning Food Sensory and Consumer Science as a key component in the broader food system.