Dynamic sensory evaluation of selected sensory attributes and food-related emotions during consumption of plant-based milk alternatives applying temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods

Despite milk's rich nutrient profile, a growing number of consumers are opting for plant-based beverages due to health, ethical, and ecological concerns. However, knowledge about the temporal aspects of sensory attributes and consumption-evoked emotions in these milk alternatives remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the temporal characteristics of oat, almond, and soy drinks in comparison to conventional cow's milk from three Austrian brands. Employing temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal dominance of emotions (TDE) methods, 43 consumers assessed the dominance of selected sensory attributes and product evoked emotions over an evaluation period of 60 s for each test sample. The results reveal distinct patterns in sensory profiles and emotions associated with plant drinks, contributing to a better understanding of dynamic sensory perception in the evolving landscape of milk alternatives.

Practical applications

The presented study offers valuable insights into the temporal sensory characteristics and emotional sensations associated with oat, almond, and soy drinks compared to traditional cow's milk. Utilizing the temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods, we identified distinct sensory patterns in milk alternatives and dominant product-specific attributes and emotions. This research underscores the intricate interplay between sensory characteristics and consumption-evoked emotions, which ultimately influence product acceptability. As the global shift towards plant-based beverages gains momentum, future studies should delve into understanding evolving consumer preferences and exploring innovative formulations to enhance the sensory appeal of milk alternatives.