flavordilution

Flavordilution, also known as flavor dilution or flavour dilution in some sources, is a methodological concept used in flavor science to assess the relative potency of aroma compounds by diluting a sample until its odor becomes imperceptible. The approach is commonly applied in aroma analysis, sensory profiling, and product development to identify key contributors to a flavor profile and to rank compounds by odor strength.

Procedure involves preparing a sample containing volatile aroma compounds in a neutral diluent such as water, propylene glycol, or another food-grade solvent. A serial dilution series is created (for example, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, etc.). Trained assessors or gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) panels sniff the effluent at each dilution as compounds elute from the GC column. The highest dilution at which a particular odor is detectable is recorded as the flavor-dilution (FD) factor for that odorant.

Interpretation centers on the idea that higher FD factors indicate more potent odorants, meaning they contribute strongly to the overall aroma. FD data are used alongside chemical identification and other sensory measurements to prioritize compounds during flavor development, inform odor recombination studies, and help characterize aroma profiles in foods and beverages.

Limitations include reliance on human perception, which introduces panel-to-panel variability. The choice of solvent, dilution steps, and dilution intervals can influence FD values, and the FD factor does not directly quantify actual concentration or the full sensory experience of a finished product.