Sensory analysis is the study of the product quality characteristics that can be perceived by human sensory organs.

Depending on the purpose of a sensory test the panel that judges the products consists of:

- A small group of experts -> objective quantification of sensory characteristics
- A numerous group of ‘naive' consumers -> subjective acceptability and preference tests
- A medium group of qualified, experienced panellists -> objective difference tests

The sensory characteristics of a product are:

• appearance
• odour
• flavour
• texture
• sound
  

Sensory analysis can be executed on various types of products:

•  food
•  pet food
•  cosmetics (perfume, lipstick, nail polish,...)
•  household products (fabric softener, cleansing agent,...)
•  personal care products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo,...)
•  chemical products (paint,...)
•  textile (car lining,...)