Smakssurvey

Smakssurvey is a term used in market research and sensory science to describe structured surveys that collect consumer feedback on food and beverage products, with a focus on taste and related sensory attributes. The term blends “smak” (taste) with “survey” and is used in various languages to denote consumer data collection about sensory experiences. In practice, smakssurveys gather ratings for attributes such as sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, aroma, texture, and aftertaste, often using hedonic scales to measure liking and Just-About-Right scales to gauge intensity. They may also include demographic questions and purchase intent items to connect sensory responses with consumer segments and potential market success. Smakssurveys are used across product development, quality assurance, and brand research to compare formulations, track reformulations over time, and support positioning decisions.

Methods commonly combine online administration with controlled sample presentation, for example through in-home tasting kits or in-store tastings with standardized serving conditions. Data analysis typically includes descriptive statistics, analysis of variance to detect differences between product variants, and regression or conjoint analysis to identify drivers of liking and willingness to pay. Advantages include scalability, speed, and the ability to link sensory responses with consumer data. Limitations include subjective bias, cultural differences in taste perception, and the need for careful methodological design to ensure reliability.

Smakssurvey is distinguished from professional sensory panels by prioritizing consumer perceptions over trained panel ratings. It is often used in ongoing product research alongside traditional sensory evaluation. See also sensory evaluation, hedonic testing, and consumer research.