Preference sorting versus Check-All-That-Apply on sensory drivers of liking determination: A complementary study assessing dulce de leche

Product sensory description is a fundamental action in sensory science, traditionally achieved through descriptive sensory tests. Rapid methods (Sorting and check all that apply [CATA]) that do not require trained sensory panels have been increasingly implemented to save time and costs. Considering the traditionality of the CATA method, this study is an extension of previous research on sensory drivers of liking of dulce de leche, comprising an investigation of Preference Sorting (PS) versus CATA to compare the results and information obtained from both techniques. PS and CATA tests showed similar results in determining dulce de leche sensory drivers of liking. However, some differences on sensory description were noted. Consumers considered the PS test more difficult than CATA. PS proved to be an alternative in determining the product sensory drivers of liking for a screening of a large number of samples, providing similar results to the traditional test—the CATA test.

Practical Applications

The findings of this study show practical utility for consumer-based methodologies, focusing on sorting tasks and sensory drivers of liking determination, complementing the preference sorting studies in a comparative perspective with a traditional sensory method to understand the technique and its applicability better. In addition, they are useful for Brazilian dulce de leche producers as they enable an understanding of consumer preferences to plan production, marketing, and commercialization strategies.