Can Consumers Taste the Difference between Canned and Bottled Beers?

Abstract

Many consumers perceive aluminum cans to be an inferior product, claiming they can taste the difference between bottled and can beers. Therefore, many restaurants do not carry canned beers. This study investigated whether consumers could taste a difference between beer in aluminum cans and beer in glass bottles. A series of triangle tests was conducted with 125 untrained panelists sampling 14 different types of beer. Of the 14 different types of beer, 9 showed no significant differences. Significant differences were identified when testing wheat beer, suggesting possible chemical interactions due to different grain ingredients. The average consumer could not taste the difference between canned and bottled beers for the majority of beers tested. The results suggest that though consumers may be able to taste differences between packaging methods for several types of beer, these difference may still be acceptable. In addition, cans may be more cost effective, provide storage and shipping advantages, and are more environmentally friendly.