What We Offer
Consumer Testing & Sensory Research Services
Whether you are launching a new product, refining an existing formula, or building internal sensory capabilities, DSI offers a comprehensive suite of research services to guide your decisions. Each capability is grounded in rigorous scientific methodology delivering clear results you can act on with confidence.
Consumer Research
Understand exactly how target consumers perceive, prefer, and respond to your products. We recruit and evaluate specific target audiences across the US and globally to measure liking, purchase intent, and emotional responses - delivering precise data for confident product decisions. We also design and execute legally defensible studies for advertising claims support, ensuring your competitive marketing claims are backed by rigorous statistical proof. This service is best for brands launching a new product, entering a new market, or validating a reformulation before commercial rollout.
Descriptive Analysis
Obtain a precise, objective profile of the sensory characteristics your products deliver. Our trained expert panels create a detailed sensory “fingerprint" you can use for competitive benchmarking, product matching, or to identify the specific sensory attributes driving market acceptance. This service is best for teams requiring a granular description of their product’s profile and distinct areas of improvement.
Descriptive Analysis
Obtain a precise, objective profile of the sensory characteristics your products deliver. Our trained expert panels create a detailed sensory “fingerprint" you can use for competitive benchmarking, product matching, or to identify the specific sensory attributes driving market acceptance. This service is best for teams requiring a granular description of their product’s profile and distinct areas of improvement.
Discrimination Testing
Determine whether a sensory difference between two products exists and the likelihood that it will impact consumer rejection following an ingredient, supplier, or process change. We utilize scientifically validated methods supported by advanced Thurstonian modeling to give you a statistically reliable answer. This service is best for quality assurance, cost-reduction initiatives, or any operational change where maintaining perceived consistency is critical.
Consumer Relevance
Bridge the gap between your trained panel results and real-world consumer perception. We integrate descriptive and discrimination testing data with consumer studies, using advanced methods - like tetrad testing and Thurstonian modeling to quantify sensory differences and map them to consumer preference thresholds. This service is best for companies looking to ensure high-stakes product decisions are grounded in both strict scientific rigor and true consumer acceptance.
Consumer Relevance
Bridge the gap between your trained panel results and real-world consumer perception. We integrate descriptive and discrimination testing data with consumer studies, using advanced methods like tetrad or same-different testing in tandem with Thurstonian modeling to quantify sensory differences and map them to consumer preference thresholds. This service is best for companies looking to ensure their internal panel-based high-stakes product decisions are grounded in both strict scientific rigor and true consumer acceptance.
Statistical Services
Access specialized, advanced statistical analysis uniquely tailored for sensory and consumer research datasets. From foundational data summaries and experimental design validation to complex sensometric modeling, our team delivers rigorous analytical solutions grounded in peer-reviewed methodology. This service is best for insights teams seeking to extract maximum predictive value and clarity from their research data.
Courses & Training
Build your organization’s internal sensory science capabilities through structured courses and hands-on training led by DSI's academic and industry experts. We offer both foundational and advanced programs covering sensory methodology, panel management, and data interpretation, with a specific focus on Thurstonian modeling and consumer relevance. This service is best for food science teams, R&D professionals, and quality assurance staff looking to deepen their corporate expertise or onboard team members quickly.
Courses & Training
Build your organization’s internal sensory science capabilities through structured courses and hands-on training led by DSI's academic and industry experts. We offer both foundational and advanced programs covering sensory methodology, panel management, and data interpretation, with a specific focus on Thurstonian modeling and consumer relevance. This service is best for food science teams, R&D professionals, and quality assurance staff looking to deepen their corporate expertise or onboard team members quickly.
DAVIS SENSORY INSTITUTE .LLC
Contact
dsiteam@davissensory.com
(530) 750-6503
946 Olive Drive, Suite 9
Davis, CA 95616
Hours
Monday - Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Note: Consumer studies may affect business hours.
© Davis Sensory Institute 2026
Architecture Design Credits: Maria
Selected Photo Credits: Julia Ogrydziak