Comparison of monadic and simultaneous sample presentation modes in a descriptive analysis of milk chocolate

Monadic (one sample sewed at a time, and all attributes rated for that samp le) and simultaneous multiple (4 samples sewed together and attributes rate d one at a time across samples) presentation and evaluation procedures were compared in terms of descriptive profile generated, panel performance (abi lity to discriminate, reproctucibility, concept alignment) and session dura tion, in a descriptive analysis of 9 milk chocolate samples by a panel of 1 8 trained judges. The sensory profiles obtained with the two presentation m odes were very similar (as assessed by spider web and principal component p lots). Time-wise, the simultaneous presentation procedure took significantl y longer to complete (p<0.001). Judges discriminated slightly better and we re more reproducible with the simultaneous presentation mode, but quality o f concept alignment did not differ between the two procedures. We conclude each method has its advantages and limitations, and choice of presentation procedure should be based on the type of descriptive analysis carried out a nd the time frame available.