Sensory Difference Tests Research Articles

Sensory test A-Not A rating signal detection: Panel’s sensory learning and stability of decision criteria

Signal detection theory (SDT) sensory discrimination analysis using A-Not A with a two-step rating is an efficient approach to in-house sensory quality management in the food industry. For such sensory analysis using an internal panel, the panels’ ability to use stable decision criteria and provide a consistent response distribution responding to “A” vs “Not A” is critical for guaranteeing the data quality. This study examined the effects of the familiarization procedure (FP) and reference presentation probability (RPP) in the SDT A-Not A rating protocol on the panels’ sensory learning of samples and stability of decision criteria using SDT parameters, recognition d' (d'Rec),criteria location (c), and discrimination d' indices. Three different protocols were compared using ice-tea samples with small differences: Control, 0.25 RPP with repeated reference tasting (FPR); Modified-1, 0.25 RPP with reference categorization (FPC); Modified-2, 0.5 RPP with reference categorization (FPC). An independent sample design with three groups having equal sensitivity was used to identify the differences among the protocols. For each protocol, two sub-groups with similar decision criteria (response bias) were formed according to the results obtained from the pre-test and used for the main-test analysis. SDT analysis results indicated that the Modified-2 protocol with a higher RPP (0.5) induced the most efficient sensory learning of the reference. The protocol improved the subjects’ recognition of the reference and test samples, better differentiating from the reference and stabilizing the decision criterion, resulting in higher discrimination performance (larger d'). The results showed that d'Rec analysis, together with d' analysis using a sensory panel, is a useful tool for monitoring the panel performance and checking for the sensory data quality of the sensory difference tests. In the present paper, a detailed illustration of the A-Not A sensory test procedure and examples of how to apply the SDT indices for different business decision-making is also introduced using the design and results of the present experiment.

EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL PROCESSING METHOD AND LEAF-PACKAGING ON SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF OLÈLÈ, A STEAMED COWPEA PASTE

Musa paradisiaca, Tectona grandis and Thalia geniculata leaves used in the past as wrapping materials of Olèlè (steamed dough of cowpea enriched to the shrimps and other condiments), are being abandoned in favor of metal cans. This situation contributes to the lost of identity of this traditional food product. Two traditional processing methods which differ in the dehulling techniques are practiced to obtain Olèlè also called Magni magni or Moin moin. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of processing methods and wrapping materials on sensory characteristics of Olèlè and their consumer acceptability. For this purpose, sensory difference and overall acceptability tests and a sensory profile analysis were conducted. Thus, Olèlè differently wrapped was produced the day of the sensory evaluation and appreciated by sensory panelists. Panelists clearly distinguished Olèlè according to the processing method. Sixteen representative descriptors were identified to profile Olèlè. The leaves used for wrapping Olèlè had a significant effect on its sensory characteristics noted by the consumer panel with clearly distinct sensory profiles (p ≤ 0.05). The overall acceptability test revealed that the Olèlè wrapped in Musa paradisiaca leaves is the most appreciated, followed respectively by those wrapped with Tectona grandis leaves, Thalia geniculata leaves and one packaged in recycled tin cans.

Detection of Bitterness in Vitamins Is Mediated by the Activation of Bitter Taste Receptors.

Vitamins are known to generate bitterness, which may contribute to an off-taste or aftertaste for some nutritional supplements. This negative sensation can lead to a reduction in their consumption. Little is known about the bitter taste threshold and taste sensing system for the bitter taste detection of vitamins. To better understand the mechanisms involved in bitterness perception, we combined taste receptor functional assays and sensory analysis. In humans, bitter taste detection is mediated by 25 G-protein-coupled receptors belonging to the TAS2R family. First, we studied the bitterness of thirteen vitamins using a cellular-based functional taste receptor assay. We found four vitamins that can stimulate one or more TAS2Rs. For each positive molecule–receptor combination, we tested seven increasing concentrations to determine the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) and the cellular bitter taste threshold. Second, we measured the bitter taste detection threshold for four vitamins that exhibit a strong bitter taste using a combination of ascending series and sensory difference tests. A combination of sensory and biological data can provide useful results that explain the perception of vitamin bitterness and its real contribution to the off-taste of nutritional supplements.

Characterization of Volatile Profiles and Correlated Contributing Compounds in Pan-Fried Steaks from Different Chinese Yellow Cattle Breeds through GC-Q-Orbitrap, E-Nose, and Sensory Evaluation.

This study focused on characterizing the volatile profiles and contributing compounds in pan-fried steaks from different Chinese yellow cattle breeds. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of six Chinese yellow cattle breeds (bohai, jiaxian, yiling, wenshan, xinjiang, and pingliang) were analyzed by GC-Q-Orbitrap spectrometry and electronic nose (E-nose). Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify the differences in VOCs profiles among breeds. The relationship between odor-active volatiles and sensory evaluation was analyzed by partial least square regression (PLSR) to identify contributing volatiles in pan-fried steaks of Chinese yellow cattle. The results showed that samples were divided into two groups, and 18 VOCs were selected as potential markers for the differentiation of the two groups by GC-Q-Orbitrap combined multivariate statistical analysis. YL and WS were in one group comprising mainly aliphatic compounds, while the rest were in the other group with more cyclic compounds. Steaks from different breeds were better differentiated by GC-Q-Orbitrap in combination with chemometrics than by E-nose. Six highly predictive compounds were selected, including 3-methyl-butanal, benzeneacetaldehyde, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-pyrazine, 2-acetylpyrrole, 2-acetylthiazole, and 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline. Sensory recombination difference and preference testing revealed that the addition of highly predictive compounds induced a perceptible difference to panelists. This study provides valuable data to characterize and discriminate the flavor profiles in pan-fried steaks of Chinese yellow cattle.

Identification of volatile compounds correlated with consumer acceptability of strawberry preserves: Untargeted GC–MS analysis

Volatile compounds that impact the acceptability of strawberry preserves were investigated by untargeted GC–MS flavoromics analysis. Chemical profiles for fifteen strawberry preserves were modeled against consumer liking scores by orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) with good fit (R2Y = 0.998) and predictive ability (Q2 = 0.853). Ten highly predictive compounds were selected, nine of which were identified, and eight of which were quantified using tandem mass spectrometry. Sensory recombination difference testing revealed that the addition of predictive compounds to an average-liked preserve at levels found in the most-liked preserve induced a perceptible difference to frequent consumers of strawberry jams. One of the highly predictive compounds was identified (MS and synthesis) as a novel linalool oxide product 2-methyl-2-vinyl-tetrahydrofuran with a fruity, herbal-minty, piney aroma and a low odor threshold value.

Comparative analysis of nerve conduction study methods in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Background: Patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may not be picked up by routine nerve conduction methods. Hence, this study was performed to identify the most sensitive way to detect mild-to-moderate CTS and to evaluate the sensitivity of different methods for the diagnosis of CTS. Subjects and Methods: We included 60 clinically confirmed CTS patients in our study. We recorded the clinical characteristics and laboratory features in a prescribed proforma. We also included 60 healthy age- and sex-matched asymptomatic individuals as controls in our study. We excluded patients with underlying peripheral neuropathy. We included median distal motor latency, median distal sensory latency, median-versus-ulnar second lumbrical-interossei comparison study, median-versus-ulnar wrist-to-digit four comparison study, median-versus-radial thumb sensory study, median-versus-ulnar motor distal latency difference, and median-versus-ulnar sensory latency difference tests in our study. Results: Of 60 patients, female: male ratio was 2.3:1, and the mean age was 44.28 ± 11.41 years. Mean symptom duration was 0.76 ± 0.03 years. Of 42 females, 38 (90.4%) were engaged in daily household activities. In patients group, median nerve distal motor latency was 5.024 ± 2.05 ms, whereas sensory latency was 3.53 ± 0.75 ms. Sensitivity was the highest in median-versus-ulnar wrist-to-digit four comparison study (90.19%), followed by median-versus-radial thumb sensory study (88.23%), and median-versus-ulnar second lumbrical-interossei comparison study (86.27%). Median distal motor latency test had the lowest sensitivity (72.55%). Conclusions: In patients with mild CTS, electrophysiological tests including median-versus-ulnar wrist-to-digit four comparison study, median-versus-radial thumb sensory study, and median-versus-ulnar second lumbrical-interossei comparison study should be incorporated to improve the sensitivity for the diagnosis of CTS.

Whole cottonseed, vitamin E and finishing period affect the fatty acid profile and sensory traits of meat products from Nellore cattle

This study investigated how different finishing periods and the inclusion of whole cottonseed and vitamin E in diets fed to feedlot cattle affect meat lipid composition and sensory traits of fresh beef and hamburgers. Fifty-four Nellore bulls were fed 3 different diets (C: control; WCS: 30% whole cottonseed; WCSE: 30% whole cottonseed plus vitamin E) during finishing periods of 83, 104, and 111days. The inclusion of cottonseed did not affect saturated fatty acid levels (SFA), but increased the levels of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in meat. The SFA levels and n-6/n-3 ratio increased over the length of finishing period. In general, meat products from animals fed the WCS and WCSE diets were more tender and juicier (P<0.05); however, an off-flavor was detected by the panelists (P<0.05). The sensory difference test results showed that the WCS hamburger flavor was not significantly different for the studied lengths of finishing period. Addition of 30% DM cottonseed in diets for cattle did not promote changes likely to affect human health, and it provided a more tender and juiciness meat, however differences in the off flavor were perceived only by panelist.

Comparative categorization method: Using 2-AFC strategy in constant-reference duo-trio for discrimination of multiple stimuli from a reference

In the fast moving consumer goods industry, unspecified (overall) sensory difference tests are commonly used with sensory panels to compare multiple types of stimuli against a gold standard. In order to measure sensory differences accurately and reliably, it is important to investigate the efficiency of unspecified sensory difference test methods not only in terms of statistical test power, but also in practice, i.e., operational test power. One unspecified difference test method, the duo-trio method using constant-reference, is procedurally equivalent to the 2-AFC with reminder (2-AFCR), for which the 2-AFC decision strategies can be used by performing a comparative categorization task. However, the feasibility and efficiency of the comparative categorization task using a constant-reference duo-trio method has not been tested for the discrimination of multiple stimuli from a reference. The objectives of the present study were 1) to evaluate the adoption of the 2-AFC decision strategy in such comparative categorization methods for discriminating multiple products from a reference, and 2) to compare the efficiency and power of these comparative categorization methods with the unspecified tetrad and balanced-reference duo-trio methods. Using two sensory panels to discriminate two different iced tea stimuli from a reference, our results confirmed that a 2-AFC strategy can be adopted in comparative categorization methods without specifying sensory attributes. With an equal number of tastings, the comparative categorization methods using a 2-AFC strategy showed comparable operational test power with the unspecified tetrad method. Among the two versions (using a constant-reference duo-trio with the reference at the first position (DTF) and duo-trio with a reference presented first and in the middle of two alternative stimuli (DTFM)) of the comparative categorization methods examined in the present study, DTF was more reliable across repeated sessions than other unspecified methods investigated.

The value of fourth finger sensory median-ulnar nerve latency difference test in grading Carpal Tunnel Sydrome

The value of fourth finger sensory median-ulnar nerve latency difference test in grading Carpal Tunnel Sydrome

Revisiting Fisher’s ‘Lady Tasting Tea’ from a perspective of sensory discrimination testing

The Lady Tasting Tea is a famous real story in the history of development of statistics, related to R.A. Fisher, one of the greatest statisticians and founders of modern statistics. The main learning and insight offered by this paper from revisiting the story are that the methodology of conventional sensory difference tests can be and should be expanded to cover the ‘M+N’ method with larger M and N. Unlike the conventional discrimination tests, which use multiple sets of ‘M+N’ samples with small M and N based on a binomial model, the ‘M+N’ tests with larger M and N can reach a statistical significance in a single trial using only one set of ‘M+N’ samples based on a hypergeometric distribution in Fisher’s exact test. This paper explores the applications of the new methods particularly in assessing performance of trained sensory panels and panelists. The connection of the odds ratio or common odds ratio with Cohen’s standardized mean difference d is also discussed.

Estimation of Thurstonian Models for Various Forced‐Choice Sensory Discrimination Methods as a Form of the “M + N” Test

AbstractPsychometric functions for discrimination tests, which connect probabilities of correct response, pc, with Thurstonian discriminal distances, d′, are of theoretical and practical significance. This paper uses a computer‐intensive approach to produce simulation‐derived psychometric functions for the “M + N” test, which is a generalization and can be considered as a framework of many forced‐choice methods. The paper demonstrates and describes chance probabilities in different situations for the “M + N” test. The paper compares the performances of the specified and unspecified “M + N” test with the M = N test. The paper provides novel tables for pc and d′ for four specific versions of the “M + N” test: the specified “two‐out‐of‐five” test (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = 3 and N = 2); the unspecified “one‐out‐of‐four” test (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = 3 and N = 1); the specified and unspecified octad tests (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = N = 4). The corresponding B values, for calculation of the variances of d' for the tests, are also provided. The concept and practice of pseudo‐correct response, i.e., forgiveness introduced by Ennis, are discussed and generalized.Practical ApplicationsConsidering the constraints imposed by the products and the circumstances of the business objective, different forms of various difference test method might be selected as the most suitable design. The proposed Thurstonian modeling approach using a simulation‐derived psychometric function makes it possible to drive psychometric functions for any one of the more than 40 different versions of the “M + N” test. This paper shows that a simulation‐derived psychometric function is compatible with an exact psychometric function. R/S‐Plus codes for the simulation‐derived psychometric functions are also developed and provided. Using this technique, various versions of commonly used sensory difference test methods, including the 2‐AFC, triangle and tetrad, can be compared with many more versions of difference test methods. In addition, using the supplied R/S‐Plus codes, the Thurstonian sensory difference measure, d′, can be computed easily and quickly for various forms of the “M + N” test.

Karpal tünel sendromunda dördüncü parmak median- ulnar duysal yanıt latans farkı testinin kullanımı

Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. In this study, 4th finger median and ulnar nerve sensory latency difference test in minimal and mild carpal tunnel syndrome and the amplitude difference test between the 2nd finger median sensory response and the 5th finger ulnar sensory response were evaluated and their usefulness were discussed. Material and Method: In this study, the patients admitted to Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic, EMG laboratory with the diagnosis of CTS were included. In addition to conventional electrophysiological methods, 4th finger median - ulnar nerve sensory latency difference test was used. Electrophysiological studies were performed using Medelec Saphire 4E EMG device. Data was evaluated with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 17 program and descriptive analysis was performed. Results: In 3 (17.64%) of the 17 patients who had abnormality in the 4th finger of median-ulnar sensory latency difference test, 2nd digit median nerve sensory response amplitude was found to be lower than the 5th digit ulnar nerve sensory amplitude response. Conclusion: In our study, which is a preliminary study, a small number of patients whose 4th finger median-ulnar sensory latency difference test were abnormal also revealed a relative decrease in 2nd digit median nerve sensory response amplitude. Further studies with a larger group of patients are needed. The amplitude difference test between 2nd digit median and 5th digit ulnar sensory response may be an alternative sensitive method in order to obtain faster results and to identify early cases of CTS.

Tetrads, triads and pairs: Experiments in self-specification

Sensory difference tests can be used to investigate how well consumers can discriminate between very similar, confusable products. For this reason, it is desirable that the products are tested in a manner as similar as possible to realistic conditions of consumption. For some of these tests, it is desirable that the experimenter does not specify the nature of the difference; the consumers have to discover this for themselves. The methods generally used for this class of tests are the triangle and duo–trio. Recently, the (unspecified) tetrad method has emerged as a candidate to replace the triangle and duo–trio tests, because it is more powerful, although not as powerful as the 2-AFC and 3-AFC. Using a model and a beverage system, it was confirmed that the tetrad method was more powerful than the triangle method, despite the fact that the greater memory load of the tetrad reduced its d′ values. To initiate an investigation into more powerful tests, several self-specification protocols were developed, which differed from those used in prior investigations. These protocols successfully converted triangle tests into self-specified 3-AFCs, with a consequent increase in power. Triangle, tetrad, self-specified 2-AFC and 3-AFC methods were then compared, with the tetrad being more powerful than the triangle and the self-specified 2-AFC and 3-AFC methods being more powerful than the tetrad.

Sensory Difference Tests as Measurement Instruments: a Review of Recent Advances

AbstractIn the evaluation of new incarnations of existing products, difference testing is among the most commonly used sensory techniques. However, although difference testing is a classical technique, the science of difference testing continues to evolve. As Thurstonian analysis has gained increased acceptance for its ability to measure sensory differences, recent research advances have provided tools, techniques and theory to view sensory difference tests as measurement instruments. In particular, these advances promise to unite equivalence and difference testing, to help with the determination of consumer‐relevant action standards, and to inform business risk calculations.Practical ApplicationsThe last 5 years have brought pressure on food and personal‐care product companies to provide healthy and cost‐effective products without compromising the sensory experience these products provide. In reaction to this pressure, business management has asked sensory and product development to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a large number of modified products. These products can be modified with respect to their ingredients, packaging, production processes, formulation, or as is the case when a complex goal such as sodium reduction is pursued, with respect to many aspects at once. In this article, we review how this business need for more detailed information from difference testing programs has paralleled recent research on the use of sensory difference tests as measurement instruments.

A Bayesian Look at the Rao-Kupper Model for Paired Comparisons

The method of paired comparisons may be regarded as a special rank order technique. It is a method long used in psychological experimentation and is well adapted to sensory difference testing. This study deals with estimation and testing of the parameters of the Rao-Kupper (1967) model for paired comparisons which allows for tied observations in paired comparison experiments using informative prior. An elicitation of the hyper parameters is carried out. Predictive probabilities that one treatment would be preferred to other treatment in a future single comparison are determined. Graphs for the marginal posterior densities are presented. All calculations are based on numerical integration technique and Gibbs sampling procedure. Appropriateness of the model is checked which declares it a good fit.

Cognitive decision strategies adopted by trained judges in reminder difference tests when tasting yoghurt, mayonnaise, and ice tea

Decision strategies used by judges to discriminate between three different food products (ice tea, yoghurt, and mayonnaise) are investigated using two standard tasks (A-Not A and 2-AFC) and their reminder equivalents (A-Not AR and 2-AFCR). Previous research with model solutions of varying complexity suggests that the strategy adopted in the A-Not AR task is judge-dependent, with little consistency evident across judges for a particular stimulus type. For 2-AFCR, the β- and τ-strategies, were more consistently adopted across all solution types. As food products are naturally more complex than model solutions, it is hypothesized that a more consistent use of decision strategies for the reminder tasks will be evident across judges. This is because auditory and visual research has indicated that more optimal decision strategies can be adopted as stimulus complexity increases, and the β-strategy produces optimal performance in the A-Not AR task, and the β- or τ-strategies result in equivalent optimal performance in the 2-AFCR task. Results are consistent with this hypothesis. For the A-Not AR task the β-strategy was adopted by most judges, and for the 2-AFCR task the β- or τ-strategies were adopted by most judges. This occurred for all three products. Additionally, the A-Not AR task was found to have higher test sensitivity than the other three tasks investigated, each of which had similar test sensitivity. These results lead to greater confidence in the use of the reminder tasks, in particular the A-Not AR task, for routine sensory difference testing with real-world products.

Reconsidering the Specified Tetrad Test

AbstractAdditional noise from additional stimuli has been shown to result in a loss of operational power in sensory difference tests. Because the Specified Tetrad test requires the evaluation of four stimuli and has only a slight theoretical power advantage over the two‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC), Ennis and Jesionka have argued that the Specified Tetrad test should not be used. But this theoretical assertion had not been confirmed experimentally. In this article, we refute this argument using results from a large‐scale comparison of the 2‐AFC with the Specified Tetrad test. Using Thurstonian analysis, we quantified the sensory effect size as measured by both tests and found that the Specified Tetrad test is significantly more sensitive than the 2‐AFC in this setting. In fact, if the sample values from our experiment could be taken as population values, the results of this experiment predict that the Specified Tetrad test is operationally more powerful than a double‐replicated 2‐AFC. While further investigation of the Specified Tetrad test is needed before such a strong statement can be confirmed, these results indicate that the Specified Tetrad test is worthy of such investigation.Practical ApplicationsAmong the many tools in the sensory scientist's tool box are the specified difference testing methods. These methods can be used when the attribute that defines the difference between the samples is known. Historically, the 2‐AFC has been considered the operationally most powerful method of specified testing, but the 2‐AFC has never been compared with the Specified Tetrad test. In this article, we provide such a comparison, and show that the Specified Tetrad test deserves attention as a specified testing method.

Transitioning from proportion of discriminators to a more meaningful measure of sensory difference

A commonly used approach for quantifying effect sizes in sensory difference testing is the so-called “Proportion of Discriminators” or “Proportion of Distinguishers” model. Such effect sizes are quantified by determining the proportion of discriminators in the population via a transformation of the proportion of correct responses in the difference test. This model has intuitive appeal as it promises researchers the ability to gauge the meaningfulness of results – experiments that yield a high Proportion of Discriminators are supposed to reflect meaningful sensory differences.Despite the intuitive appeal of this approach, in this article we highlight that the Proportion of Discriminators model has several limitations and, in fact, does not actually have many of the properties that a measure of underlying effect size should have. Moreover we show that these limitations can lead to important errors – as a result we conclude that the Proportion of Discriminators model not be used.As an alternative, we recommend Thurstonian analysis, and we show how Thurstonian analysis offers many of the intuitive properties that Proportion of Discriminators lacks. Nonetheless, communication challenges remain, especially between researchers and management. To address these challenges we provide suggestions and tables to help guide the transition away from Proportion of Discriminators towards a Thurstonian perspective. This transition, once complete, will reward sensory researchers with more reliable and meaningful information from their difference testing programs.

Cognitive Decision Strategies Adopted in Reminder Tasks by Trained Judges When Discriminating Aqueous Solutions Differing in the Concentration of Citric Acid

AbstractFour sensory difference tests – A‐Not A, two‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC) and their reminder counterparts, A‐Not A with reminder task (A‐Not AR) and 2‐AFC with reminder task (2‐AFCR) – were applied to pairs of aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of citric acid to determine the decision strategy adopted by judges in the reminder tasks, and which of the four tasks has the greatest test sensitivity. Three solution types, each containing a different number of compounds, were employed to determine if the strategy adopted or test sensitivity is contingent upon the number of compounds in solution. Auditory and visual research suggests that observers adopt a tau (τ) strategy for simple stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing a few compounds) and a beta (β) strategy for complex stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing several compounds). Results suggest that the strategy adopted for the 2‐AFCR task is fairly consistent across judges and solution types, whereas that for A‐Not AR is fairly consistent across judges but depends on solution type. All four tasks were found to have similar test sensitivity. The results highlight the need for caution when using difference tests when the decision strategy being used by judges is not known. Relatively large errors in estimates of performance can result from an incorrect assumption.Practical ApplicationsChanges to ingredients, processing and storage methods frequently challenge manufacturers who strive to maintain products that will appeal to consumers. Difference tests can assist the manufacturer in determining the effect of such changes on perception. Difference tests need to be effective in use and must produce valid and reliable results. A‐Not A and 2‐AFC tasks are sensitive to sensory differences, and are frequently used, but require a time‐consuming familiarization procedure. A‐Not AR and 2‐AFCR do not require this, as they provide a comparative reminder stimulus on each trial. Comparisons of these four tasks showed all to be equal in test sensitivity, a component of validity, however, not equal in reliability. Of the reminder tasks, A‐Not AR was less reliable, as decision strategy depended on stimulus type, whereas in 2‐AFCR, decision strategy was more consistent, particularly for stimuli containing more components.

Optimization of Microwave Roasting of Almond (Prunus dulcis )

Microwave (MW) almond roasting was investigated as an alternative to hot air (HA) roasting. Nonpareil almonds (Prunus dulcis) were roasted at 140C in a convection oven for different times to achieve light, medium and dark roasting levels. Several instrumental measurements were taken, establishing targets for each roasting level. To determine the MW time/power combinations necessary to match the HA targets, a response surface experiment was conducted. Additional MW-roasted samples prepared using the optimal time/power combinations underwent both instrumental and sensory analyses. The overall sensory difference test showed that, at the medium roasting level, the MW-roasted almonds were indistinguishable from their HA-roasted counterparts. At all three roasting levels, the HA- and MW-roasted samples were not significantly different in terms of sensory roasted flavor and crunchiness. Instrumental measurements supported the sensory results. When optimized, MW roasting yields results similar to HA roasting in a fraction of the time. Practical Application The findings of this work can be used by industrial almond processors to develop large-scale microwave (MW) roasting unit operations. Also, consumers could use the optimal MW time and power combinations found in this work as guidelines for at-home preparation of roasted almonds.