Rate-all-that-apply Research Articles

Assessment of Whole Grain Ancient Wheat Sourdough in Lyophilised and Native Forms for Cookie Formulation.

This study explored the potential of two forms of sourdough-native and lyophilised-obtained through the spontaneous fermentation of whole grain flours from ancient wheat varieties, for cookie production. The research involved evaluated the dough's rheological properties through creep and recovery measurements and Mixolab analysis, assessing proximate composition, physical attributes, texture, colour, and sensory characteristics using the Rate-all-that-apply (RATA) method. The rheological analysis revealed that native sourdough significantly impacted dough behaviour, making it more challenging to process. Although differences were observed in the proximate composition, colour, and texture, these factors did not influence the samples as much as the rheological parameters. Sensory evaluation identified Khorasan lyophilised sourdough, along with its control sample, as the most promising, while modern wheat, spelt, and emmer exhibited potentially undesirable attributes. Based on these findings, it was concluded that lyophilised Khorasan sourdough was very favourable for cookie production and should be considered for further in-depth research and development. This suggests that the lyophilised forms of ancient wheats could offer valuable alternatives for cookie formulation, with implications for both the processing and sensory attributes of the final product.

Sensory profile of cream cheese and plant‐based analogues: an approach through flash‐profile, CATA and RATA tests

SummaryThe distinct techno‐functional and sensory attributes conferred by milk proteins and fat are fundamental in defining the structure, texture and flavour of dairy products. Thus, reproducing cheese‐like characteristics in plant‐based alternatives while ensuring consumer acceptance is a major challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory profile of commercial cream cheese and plant‐based analogues, quantifying consumer perception and discrimination, and correlating with instrumental texture analysis. For that, two milk‐based (MB1 and MB2) and three plant‐based products (PB1, PB2 and PB3) were evaluated for their proximate composition, texture profile (spreadability and firmness) and sensory properties by combining Flash Profile method (n = 13), Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) test, and Rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) test (n = 102) with global acceptance. Milk‐based cream cheeses (MB1 and MB2) did not differ significantly from each other and presented greater spreadability when compared to all plant‐based cream cheeses (PB1, PB2 and PB3). The texture parameters of the samples were inversely related: the greater the firmness, the lower the spreadability. All forty‐two sensory attributes allowed discrimination of the samples into three distinct clusters, with no difference between the milk‐based products. The results of the CATA test showed that the attributes most correlated with the sample MB1 were the most desirable for good acceptance of the product. In turn, PB3 showed lower acceptance scores when compared to the plant‐based samples PB1 and PB2, and the attributes rancid flavour, vegetable oil aroma and nut aroma mostly contributed to the lower acceptance of PB3. Milk‐based products were very close to the ideal product, presenting a creamy and spreadable texture as key attributes for product characterisation and acceptance. The results of RATA test showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the intensity of nineteen sensory attributes. Milk‐based cream cheeses were more accepted than their plant‐based counterparts. The instrumental assessments of firmness and spreadability exhibited a negative correlation, once they were inversely proportional and strongly correlated to sensory data of firm and spreadable texture, respectively. The sensory characteristics of cream cheese analogues may present a barrier to their acceptance by consumers. Attributes such as coconut and flour flavour, artificial cheese aroma and flavour, and spreadable texture played a key role in differentiating dairy products from plant‐based ones, contributing to the lower acceptance of the latter.

Conjoint Analysis to Define Beer Label and the Influence of Labeled Bottles and Music on the Sensory Profile of Craft and Industrial Beers

ABSTRACTPackaging label and music influence product acceptance and sensory profiling. This study defined the ideal label for a craft beer using the modified choice‐based conjoint analysis (MCBCA), as well as the sensory profile of this craft beer and an industrial beer in two tests: a blind test and a test in the presence of the labeled bottle and of a sertanejo universitário song, using a rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) list. MCBCA revealed that craft beer label's most favorable attributes included information on harmonization with food, a traditional‐themed illustration, and a strong emphasis on the brand and beer type. The RATA list comprised descriptive attributes, affective terms, product‐relevant phrases, and feelings. Nonsensory characteristics had a positive impact on the craft beer description but a negative impact on the industrial beer, with descriptors such as “watery,” negative affective terms memories for it. The influence of labeled bottles and music on consumers' sensory descriptions underscores the importance of nonsensory characteristics in the product's evaluation and success.

PROFILING SENSORY PADA PRODUK COKELAT PT. KAKAO BHINNEKA SEJAHTERA (MOODCO FINE CHOCOLATE) DENGAN METODE RATE-ALL-THAT-APPLY (RATA)

Chocolate is a processed food product based on cocoa beans which is processed using a machine. Differences in processing raw materials can produce different sensory characteristics that can affect consumer preferences. In this study, sensory descriptive analysis was carried out using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) method to determine sensory profiles and to determine differences in sensory attributes of white chocolate (Kokoken Gulo Kaluku), milk chocolate (Arai), and dark chocolate (Idi' Cara'de). Based on the results, there are 4 attributes that are the same in each chocolate variant, namely glossy, snap, hardness, and mouthfeel melting. Kokoken Gulo Kaluku and Arai have the highest intensity on the mouthfeel melting attribute, while Idi' Cara'de has the highest intensity on the glossy attribute.

The Role of Indigenous Yeasts in Shaping the Chemical and Sensory Profiles of Wine: Effects of Different Strains and Varieties.

The microbial terroir is an indispensable part of the terroir panorama, and can improve wine quality with special characteristics. In this study, eight autochthonous yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), selected in Huailai country, China, were trailed in small-scale and pilot fermentations for both white (Riesling and Sémillon) and red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) wines and evaluated by GC-MS analysis and the rate-all-that-apply (RATA) method. Compared to commercial yeast strains, the indigenous yeasts were able to produce higher concentrations of ethyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters, and higher alcohol, resulting in higher odor activity values of fruity, floral attributes. Marked varietal effects were observed in the pilot fermentation, but yeast strains exerted a noticeable impact in modulating wine aroma and sensory profile. Overall, indigenous yeast could produce more preferred aroma compounds and sensory characteristics for both white and red wines, demonstrating the potential for improving wine quality and regional characteristics.

Validation of Optimization Methods for Sensory Characteristics Using Rate-All-That-Apply and Intensity Scales: A Case Study of Apple Juice.

Preference mapping (PM), which integrates consumer and descriptive analysis (DA) data to identify attributes that drive consumer liking, is widely employed for product optimization. However, a limited group of trained panelists cannot fully represent the diverse consumer population or reliably predict market acceptance. Consequently, numerous studies have explored consumer-based methodologies as potential replacements for DA; however, their efficacy for product optimization remains limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the potential of optimizing products using two consumer-based profiling techniques as alternatives to DA in external preference mapping (EPM). Overall, 8 trained panelists profiled 12 sensory attributes of 7 commercial apple juices, whereas 160 consumers assessed the same attributes using a 5-point rate-all-that-apply (RATA) scale and a 10 cm intensity scale (IS). Danzart's response surface ideal modeling was employed to identify optimal products using DA, RATA, and IS through barycenter calculations, focusing on three products from the original consumer test located around the group ideal point. Overall, the ideal products of the group and their sensory characteristics were successfully identified using DA, RATA, and IS. Regarding sensory intensities, high concordance was observed between DA and RATA (Rv = 0.92) and between DA and IS (Rv = 0.91). Overall liking and preference scores for products mixed at the optimal ratio for each method showed no significant differences in preference among the ideal products identified using DA, RATA, and IS. This study suggests that both RATA and IS are viable alternatives to DA in EPM for identifying ideal sensory profiles.

Differences and correlations between industrial experts and semi-trained assessors in the sensory evaluation of strong-aroma baijiu using rate-all-that-apply.

Baijiu has rich and complex sensory characteristics, and how to make the sensory analysis results given by baijiu industrial experts better understood by consumers has been attracting a lot of attention. In this study, 35 strong-aroma baijiu samples were evaluated by 12 industrial experts and 21 semi-trained assessors, respectively, using rate-all-that-apply (RATA) methods, which involved 2 groups of lexicons generated by the 2 panels. The results showed that the RATA method was suitable for analyzing and distinguishing different baijiu samples by both industrial experts and semi-trained assessors. Although the industrial experts and the semi-trained assessors selected very different lexicons to describe the same strong-aroma baijiu samples, most descriptors from the expert evaluators are either positively or negatively correlated with the semi-trained assessors, such as the attributes "aldehyde," "mud," "multi-grain," and "scorched," and these attributes are effective in distinguishing different strong-aroma baijiu samples. These correlations could enable the marketing promotion and consumer evaluation of baijiu products in the future. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The result could help baijiu market, in particular the worldwide beverage market, better understand how different baijiu samples are described and evaluated by industrial experts, and further enable the marketing promotion and consumer evaluation of baijiu products in the future.

Wood and Mint Aroma Interactions During Spirit Oak Cask Maturation: A Sensory Case Study

ABSTRACTThe aroma of fine matured spirits is typically complex, resulting from numerous reactions occurring during the production process and some developing during maturation in oak casks. The refreshing sensation brought by mint notes was often expected, even after years of maturation. The main challenge lies in achieving an aromatic balance characterised by the seamless integration of woody aromas while maintaining the initial distillate's freshness. The present study examines the sensory effects associated with the interactions between wood, mint and cold sensations in spirits. Nine spirit model solutions were prepared, representing different combinations of terpene ketones (imparting mint aroma) and wood compounds, each at three concentration levels. The quantitative composition of mint compounds simulated varying degrees of mintiness in the distillate (low, medium and high), while the concentrations of wood compounds mimicked three maturation periods (short, intermediate and long term) in wooden casks. Samples were sensorily analysed by discriminative (triangle test) and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) methodologies. An increase in woody intensity was notably perceived in samples with a low‐mint profile and containing wood compounds associated with medium and long‐term maturation. However, no significant sensory differences were observed in mint and cold perception between model solutions regardless of the simulated maturation conditions, indicating a limited influence of the studied wood compounds on the sensation of freshness in spirits due to competitive perceptual interactions with terpene ketones.

Assessment of panel performance in CATA and RATA experiment

AbstractCATATIS is a recently developed method for the analysis of multiple binary datasets such as Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) data. CATATIS yields a homogeneity index reflecting the overall agreement among the panelists and weights associated with the panelists that highlight the extent to which they agree with the general point of view. These weights are used to compute an average group configuration, which is submitted to Correspondence Analysis to derive a perceptual product map. Here, CATATIS is extended to situations where the data are not binary. In particular, we focus on the case of data from a CATA experiment with repetitions and data from a Rate‐All‐That‐Apply (RATA) experiment. Furthermore, a hypothesis‐testing framework based on permutations is set up to assess the significance of the weights associated with the panelists. Finally, the general strategy of analysis is illustrated using data from real case studies pertaining to CATA and RATA experiments.Practical ApplicationsEvaluating panel performance is often important in sensory studies, especially in industrial contexts. While many professionals are familiar with evaluating the outputs of conventional descriptive analysis, the increasing adoption of rapid sensory methods calls for methods and tools tailored to different sensory tasks. Our paper introduces an approach (CATATIS) to enhance the interpretation of the outputs of CATA and RATA tasks, focusing on attribute consistency, overall panel agreement, and individual weights associated with panelists. The approach is demonstrated through concrete case studies. CATATIS, together with its extensions, are available in XLSTAT software and in the R package ClustBlock.

Exploring the Sensory Profile of Stevia Coffee Using Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) Method and Chemical Analysis

Coffee is usually consumed by adding sugar, cream, or milk. Adding these ingredients, especially sugar, can cause new disease problems. The market is starting to look for natural sweeteners that do not cause health problems, such as stevia. The objective of this research was to identify the sensory attributes and chemical components of some variety of stevia coffee formulations. Sensory attributes were identified through a focus group discussion (FGD), and sensory profiling to choose the best formulation was determined using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA). The FGD members were nine panelists, while the RATA sensory evaluation used 30 panelists. Chemical analysis carried out includes water (gravimetry), ash (gravimetry), and antioxidant capacity (spectrophotometry). In this research, four distinct formulations of stevia coffee, A1 (0% stevia), A2 (2% stevia), A3 (4% stevia), and A4 (7% stevia), were utilized. Results indicate that varying stevia concentrations significantly influence the resulting coffee's sensory characteristics. Attributes identified through FGD include color (dark brown), aroma (green/leafy, sour, roasted, spicy), taste (acid/sour, sweet, bitter, green, spice) and aftertaste (over, bitter and sweet). Statistical analysis showed that eight out of thirteen sensory attributes had significant differences (p<0.05) among the four samples. Sensory evaluation of the selected sample, A2 (4%), revealed a favorable taste profile characterized by sweetness and sourness. Moreover, the chosen formulation exhibited a notable antioxidant activity level of 83.13%. These findings underscore the potential of stevia coffee as a flavorful and health-conscious alternative, offering valuable insights for product development and consumer acceptance.

Comparative assessment of Riesling wine fault development by the electronic tongue and a sensory panel.

Wine faults threaten brand recognition and consumer brand loyalty. The objective of this study was to compare the acuteness of e-tongue and human sensory evaluation of wine fault development in Riesling wine over 42days of storage. Riesling wines uninoculated (control) or inoculated with 104CFU/mL cultures of Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Acetobacter aceti, Lactobacillus brevis, or Pediococcus parvulus were assessed every 7days with the e-tongue and a rate-all-that-apply (RATA) sensory panel. After 7days of storage, the e-tongue detected differences in all four wine spoilage microorganism treatments, compared to control wine, with discrimination indices over 86%. The RATA sensory panel detected significant differences beginning on day 35 of storage, 28days after the e-tongue detected differences. This study showed that the e-tongue was more sensitive than the human panel as a detection tool, without sensory fatigue. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research is useful for winemakers seeking additional instrumental methods in the early detection of wine faults. Given the results of this study, the e-tongue can be a useful tool for detecting early chemical changes in white wines that have undergone microbial spoilage, providing winemakers with time to mitigate faults before they surpass sensory thresholds.

Identification and Reduction of Bitter Taste Determinant Compounds in Chocolate Spread Formulated with Candlenut

Candlenuts can be used as a substitute in producing chocolate spread due to their high-fat content. However, the limitation of using candlenut in the spread formulation is the existence of a bitter taste. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium bisulfite and sodium bicarbonate soaking treatment (100, 300, and 500 ppm) on reducing the bitter taste of candlenut seed. In order to reach the goal, bitter compounds of candlenut and chocolate spread were identified using Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The sensory characteristics of chocolate spread were profiled using the Rate All That Apply (RATA) descriptive method. It was shown that the panelists identified 14 sensory attributes in the samples, one of which was bitter taste. Treatment with sodium bisulfite, as well as sodium bicarbonate at the level of 300 ppm, reduced the intensity of the bitter taste. The treatment reduced flavonoid and tannin levels by 85.21% and 82.08% in candlenut seeds. It also reduced flavonoid and tannin levels by 88.47% and 72.71% in chocolate spread, respectively. LC-MS identified 13 compounds that cause the bitter taste, namely quercetin, oleuropein, kaemferol, resveratrol dimer, luteolin, epicatechin, theobromine, caffeine, iso-humolones, colaflavone, chlorogenic acid, feruloyl-caffeoylquinic acid, and coumaroylquinic acid. This study creates a new technique for producing chocolate spread formulated with candlenuts with lower bitterness levels.

Sensory profile characterization of non-wheat flour biscuits using Rate-All That-Apply (RATA) and emotional sensory mapping (ESM) method

Biscuits are food product frequently made from wheat flour. Food producers aim to produce biscuits using non-wheat flour, such as tuber, fruit, or grain flour. Consumers will accept product with acceptable sensory aspects, which can be determined by using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) and emotional sensory mapping (ESM) procedures. The objective of this study was to identify and compare sensory qualities using the RATA method; emotional attributes using the ESM method in non-wheat biscuits. Five biscuits were tested including pedada:mocaf flour biscuits, pedada:porang flour biscuits, pumpberry biscuits, berryfine biscuits, and caramelized strawberry biscuits. Panelists showed an average favorability score on the attributes of crunchy texture; caramel, nutty, sweet, and milky aroma; nutty, vanilla, sweet and savory taste; golden-brown color; and dry mouthfeel. PCoA results show emotional attributes close to the liking point are fun and comforting; needstate attributes are balanced, sharing, and energy; and environmental state attributes are windy and morning. This research provides valuable information about the sensory profile and emotional attributes of non-wheat biscuits so that it can be used for further biscuit development and commercialization.

Effects of aroma enhancement fermentation of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii ZR21 and Debaryomyces hansenii DH06 on the sensory properties and consumer liking of Yongchuan douchi.

Yongchuan douchi is a well-loved condiment. However, the aroma of rapid Yongchuan douchi is inferior to that of traditional Yongchuan douchi. The objective of this study was to improve the aroma quality of rapid Yongchuan douchi and evaluate the effect of aroma enhancement from the perspective of consumers. The aroma characteristics of samples were analyzed by consumers through flash profile (FP) (n = 15) and rate-all-that-apply (RATA) (n = 75). The results showed improvement in the aroma quality of rapid Yongchuan douchi with the two yeast strains, and consumers could perceive the modification of the aroma characteristics. It shows that the douchi aroma and sour aroma of rapid Yongchuan douchi increased significantly after aroma-enhancing fermentation, while the soy sauce aroma, soybean aroma, and musty aroma decreased. Similar results were obtained from FP and RATA. RATA showed that rapid Yongchuan douchi with aroma-enhancing fermentation aroused higher levels of positive emotions, which may increase the acceptance of consumers to rapid Yongchuan douchi. In summary, the aroma quality and consumer preference of rapid Yongchuan douchi were enhanced. The work provides insights into the quality improvement of rapid Yongchuan douchi from the perspective of consumers.

Check-all-that-apply (CATA)- and rate-all-that-apply (RATA)-based sensometric assessment of germinated-wheat beverages

Check-all-that-apply (CATA)- and rate-all-that-apply (RATA)-based sensometric assessment of germinated-wheat beverages

Exploring relationships between juiciness perception, food and bolus properties of plant-based meat analogue and beef patties

Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) often lack sensory juiciness, limiting their consumer appeal. This study aimed to better understand juiciness and texture perception of plant-based meat analogue and beef patties by linking food and bolus properties to sensory properties. Commercially available PBMA and beef patties were cooked to four core temperatures (60, 70, 80, 90 °C). Juiciness intensity decreased significantly and strongly with increasing core temperature (rank-rating test), so that series of patties covering a broad range of juiciness were obtained from the same raw materials. Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) profiling revealed that with increasing juiciness intensity PBMA patties were perceived less dry and fattier, whereas beef patties were perceived less dry, less hard, less chewy, and fattier and more tender. Juiciness intensity correlated strongly with the properties and composition of the samples. Juiciness intensity of PBMA and beef patties were correlated negatively with cooking loss and positively with serum release under compression. Serum release under compression determined instrumentally correlated strongly and positively with serum release determined in vivo during mastication. For the PBMA patties, juiciness perception was high when the patties contained more fat, while for the beef patties, juiciness perception was high when the patties contained more water. For both PBMA and beef patties varying largely in juiciness intensity, differences in food and sensory properties did not lead to significantly large differences in oral processing behavior and bolus properties at the moment of swallowing. Due to these limited variations in bolus properties, also no meaningful relationships between bolus properties at the moment of swallowing and sensory properties could be determined. We conclude that juiciness perception of plant-based meat analogue and beef patties is primarily determined by the release of serum during mastication, and is related to the sample properties rather than bolus properties at the moment of swallowing.

The impact of varying key sensory attributes on consumer perception of beer body

Beer body remains a poorly defined term, and although technical brewing experts currently describe it as the fullness of flavour and mouthfeel, little is known regarding the impact of different sensory factors on its perception. Previous studies have linked consumer understanding of beer body with viscosity (e.g. thickness, smoothness), alcohol warmth and flavour intensity. Therefore, modifications to these attributes in a base beer were explored. A commercial 0.05 % lager beer was used as the beer base, with ethanol additions at two levels to yield 2.8 and 4.5 % alcohol by volume (ABV), resulting in three levels in total for ethanol. Viscosity, bitterness and hoppy aroma were each increased to perceivably different levels by the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), iso-α-acids, and hop oil extract, respectively, resulting in two levels for each (with addition and without). Beer samples (n = 18) were evaluated by naive UK beer consumers (n = 100) for overall liking, the intensity of perceived body and consumer-derived attributes using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) technique. A 4-way ANOVA revealed significant positive effects of all four variables (p < 0.05) on body intensity ratings and significant impacts of ethanol, bitterness and aroma on overall liking. Correlation of RATA data with overall beer body ratings showed positive correlations with sensory attributes; smooth, overall flavour, overall aftertaste, hoppy flavour and negatively correlated with watery mouthfeel. Furthermore, cluster analysis was conducted on the body intensity ratings revealing three distinct consumer clusters based on the variables. This research suggests that beer consumers are not a homogenous group when it comes to body perception, and they place different levels of importance on different variables and their associated sensory attributes.

Australian Red Wines Made from Non-Traditional, Emerging Red Grape Varieties: Distinguishing Sensory Profiles and Consumer Perceptions

To sustain the Australian wine sector, it needs to adopt innovative strategies to adapt to rising temperatures brought by climate change. A potential approach is cultivating more drought-resistant emerging grape varieties with diverse flavour profiles to reduce, in part, the current reliance on major varieties. The study aimed to 1) explore sensory profiles of Australian wines made from three emerging red wine grape varieties, 2) determine consumer perceptions and liking of these wines and 3) evaluate whether these three emerging varietal wines display similar sensory characteristics to three major Australian varietal wines. An expert sensory panel (n = 8) performed a sorting task with 38 commercially available Australian wines (10 Montepulciano, 10 Nero d’Avola and 9 Touriga Nacional) and three each produced from Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet-Sauvignon for exploration of sensory similarity and quality screening purposes, with three wines removed from further study. A Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) panel of trained wine tasters (n = 36) evaluated the wines to produce sensory profiles and collect preliminary liking. Finally, a subset (n = 9 total) of the emerging wines was selected for consumer trials. Red wine consumers (n = 116) liked all wine samples independent of their knowledge and wine behaviour. Similarity scores indicated that consumers found the most significant similarity between Shiraz and Montepulciano, and Cabernet-Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional wines. The expert and trained tasters also drew similar comparisons between Shiraz and Montepulciano, but also between Grenache and Nero d’Avola wines, yet not towards Cabernet-Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional wines. The findings support the consumer acceptance and perceived similarities between the sensory profile of Shiraz and Montepulciano and Nero d’Avola and Grenache varietal wines, highlighting the potential for producers to adopt these more drought-resistant varieties as alternatives in a warmer future.

Comparison of Check-All-That-Apply (CATA), Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA), Flash Profile, Free Listing, and Conventional Descriptive Analysis for the Sensory Profiling of Sweet Pumpkin Porridge.

With significant progress in the use of rapid descriptive methodologies as alternatives to conventional descriptive analysis (DA), several consumer-based approaches have emerged. In this study, we compared four such methodologies-check-all-that-apply (CATA), rate-all-that-apply (RATA), flash profile (FP), and free listing (FL)-for sensory profiling to DA, using six sweet pumpkin porridges. The DA involved eight trained panelists, whereas each consumer evaluation engaged 60 untrained consumers. Overall, the performance of the consumer methods was similar to the DA, and it could effectively profile differences in consumer perceptions of sensory attributes, as evident from high regressor vector (RV) values (>0.89). RATA exhibited the highest similarity to the DA (Rv = 0.96), featuring quicker and less tedious processes compared with FP or FL. Novel combined methods for sensory characterization using the strengths of these four approaches are warranted. This includes leveraging the simplicity and versatility of CATA or RATA coupled with the capacity of FP or FL to capture spontaneous perceptions of products by consumers.

Time-dependent variation in oral irritation subqualities of capsaicin solution: Using Time-Intensity-Rate-All-That-Apply (TI-RATA) and temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) methods

Most of the previous studies characterizing the time-dependent perception of capsaicin have used the Time-Intensity (TI) analysis to highlight temporal variation in perception of overall oral irritation or its specific subquality, especially “warm/hot” or “burning.” Little attention has been paid to how multiple subqualities of oral irritation for capsaicin-containing samples can be perceived over an evaluation period. This study aimed at determining the time-dependent characteristics of capsaicin-induced oral irritation subqualities and their variations as a function of habitual spicy food consumption. In Study 1, 50 participants first rated oral irritation intensities of capsaicin solutions using the TI analysis over 600 s, then assessed the presence and intensities of seven subqualities – “burning”, “itching”, “numbness”, “stinging/pricking”, “tickle”, “tingling”, and “warm/hot”, using a Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) analysis. The results of TI-RATA analysis revealed four dominant subqualities – “burning”, “stinging/pricking”, “tingling”, and “warm/hot”, in terms of selection proportions and perceived intensities by participants. In Study 2, using the Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) analysis, the same participants traced the presence (or absence) of the four dominant subqualities (determined from Study 1) of capsaicin solutions over a period of 600 s. The results of TCATA analysis revealed that participants’ initial perception of the more algogenic sensations (i.e., “burning” and “stinging/pricking”) were slower in occurring and lasted for a shorter period, while the milder sensations (i.e., “tingling” and “warm/hot”) lasted longer than “burning” and “stinging/pricking”. There were no or little effects of habitual spicy food consumption on the time-dependent perceptions of oral irritation and its subqualities, respectively, in Studies 1 and 2. In conclusion, our results support and extend the notion that overall oral irritation and its subquality perception vary over time. This study also shows that the TI analysis can be supplemented with the TCATA analysis for greater understanding of the temporal dynamics of oral irritation perception of capsaicin solutions.