Sample discrimination through profiling with rate all that apply (RATA) using consumers is similar between home use test (HUT) and central location test (CLT)

The impact of testing locations, home use test (HUT) and central location (CLT) on consumer evaluations food products using rate all that apply (RATA) was investigated. As a case study, eight cold cuts were evaluated: four vegetarian/vegan meat-based products. A between-subjects design used, whereby consumers randomly allocated to either HUT or CLT (58 71 consumers, respectively). To retain as much similarity possible across in both groups received identical bags with palate cleansers instructions. Consumers evaluated the lexicon consisting 32 sensory attributes based similar studies benchtop tasting, RATA 7pt scales. total 30 31 differed significantly (p < 0.05) for CLT, respectively. Sample discrimination between two locations. Location affected 14 attributes, but particular having consistently higher attribute means not observed. Bootstrapping per product showed no significant differences multilevel regression models Bayesian inference did reveal marked expected ratings Further comparisons sample patterns through principal component analysis locations very similar, including overlap confidence ellipses. strengthens results: comparable profiles obtained from different supports notion data can be reliably collected relatively sensorially distinct minimal compromise.