Sensory Testing Platform & Services

Speed

With Highlight, researchers can conduct taste and sensory tests quickly and efficiently, without the need for a physical testing facility. Our speed to insight helps you get the right formulations to market faster.

Data quality

The Highlight platform ensures high-quality data by recruiting a diverse and representative sample of vetted and pre-screened product testers to participate in sensory and taste testing studies. This delivers more accurate and relevant feedback than traditional sensory panels.

Visibility

With Highlight, researchers can access live data dashboards that stream consumer feedback in real-time, providing instant visibility into how your benchtop samples are performing. This arms R&D teams with the data and confidence they need to make tweaks to product formulation pre-launch.

Taste test your product at lightning speeds

Highlight's database of benchmarks gives valuable insight into product performance within crowded categories.

Compare a product's taste and sensory characteristics against those of other products in the market or against industry standards.
Easily identify areas for taste and sensory improvement using qualitative and quantitative sensory testing practices.
Ensure that a product consistently meets the desired taste and sensory characteristics consumers want, maintaining a brand’s reputation.
Highlight the product's unique taste and sensory characteristics compared to its competitors, allowing your brand to differentiate itself in the market.

Challenge

Mondelēz’s SnackFutures needed to test their new snack product as early as possible in the learning journey, to better understand the resonance and messaging of leading-edge ingredients, sourcing, and formulations.

Solution

We packed and shipped three flavors of this early stage product, to the better for you segment of our community for agile in-home testing in just two days.

✅ 90 product samples sent nationwide

✅ 98% survey completion rate from targeted Highlighters

✅ 3 days from product receipt until initial data

Result

In less than 10 days, the SnackFutures team was ready to adjust the recipe and messaging,
prioritizing the nutritional elements and benefits that matter most, using consumer-friendly language. They received vital understandings of key drivers of interest and product fit within an existing snack routine.

Sensory Testing FAQs

What is sensory testing, and why is it important?

Sensory testing evaluates how consumers perceive a product’s taste, texture, aroma, and appearance to ensure it meets their expectations.

Here’s some common questions you might see in a sensory testing survey:

1. How would you rate the overall taste of the product?
2. How does the product’s texture feel compared to your expectations?
3. What are your thoughts on the aroma of the product?
4. Is the product’s flavor intensity too strong, too weak, or just right?
5. How does the product’s appearance affect your perception of its quality?
6. How would you describe the aftertaste of the product?
7. Are there any specific sensory elements you disliked about the product?

Learn more:

How sensory testing leads to unforgettable products

What types of products are best suited for sensory testing?

Food, beverages, personal care items, and any product where taste, smell, or touch impacts consumer satisfaction.

How does sensory testing differ from traditional market research?

Sensory testing focuses on how a product’s taste, texture, aroma, and appearance affect consumers on a physical and emotional level. It digs into immediate reactions, like whether a flavor delights or disappoints, while traditional market research looks at broader topics like buying habits or brand perception.

Market research, on the other hand, provides insights into consumer preferences, pricing strategies, and market trends but lacks the detailed feedback on sensory elements that influence the product experience.

For example, market research might show interest in flavored sparkling water, but sensory testing could reveal your lemon flavor tastes too artificial, helping you refine it to better meet consumer expectations.

How long does sensory testing typically take?

With platforms like Highlight, you can get results in as little as 3 weeks.

What’s the best sensory testing method for accurate results?

The best sensory testing method for accurate results is IHUT (In-Home Usage Testing). IHUT captures authentic, real-world feedback by allowing consumers to use and evaluate your product in their natural environments, where they’re most comfortable and honest.

By using IHUT for sensory testing you can:
1. Eliminate bias. Make sure feedback reflects genuine consumer experiences, free from artificial lab settings.

2. Replicate real-life usage. Analyze taste, texture, and aroma in the environments where consumers actually use your product.

With IHUT, you gain a more accurate, reliable perspective on how your product performs in the hands of your target audience.

Learn how to design sensory tests during the prototyping stage.

Sensory testing reimagined for faster, authentic feedback

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Sensory testing for real-time insights

Taste test your product at lightning speeds

Agile At-Home Learning For SnackFutures

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Sensory Testing FAQs