An integrated sensory study of selected chilled lasagne ready meals

The research combined quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) trained panel (n = 10) and consumer acceptance testing (n = 106) to better identify the sensory characteristics that were particularly influential in determining consumer choice of a range of eight chilled lasagne products. Significant differences were found between the samples, with potential for further sensory improvement. Three distinctive consumer segments were established, each with particular demographic characteristics and associated product preferences. External preference mapping confirmed that attributes pertaining to the quality of the meat sauce element, vegetable inclusion and cheese flavour had the greatest influence on consumer preferences. While not without some limitations, the study confirmed that an integrated research approach offered a more detailed explanation of consumer acceptance of chilled ready meals, to assist in better identifying and optimizing product development opportunities in the marketplace. There is scope for further study of more complex food products (such as ready meals) than has been the case in the past.