Analysing TCATA citation proportions as a tool to optimise temporal vocabulary selection: a case study of whey protein model beverages

Sequential profiling is used to assess the temporal variability of attribute intensity perception with repeated consumption; this is insightful for attributes which build-up with repeated consumption, such as mouthdrying in whey protein beverages. It is common for researchers to select attributes for use in sequential tests from the vocabulary lists of descriptive sensory profiling with limited justification being provided. It was hypothesised that Temporal Check All That Apply (TCATA) can be used as an effective and objective technique to select relevant vocabulary. This was investigated using model whey protein beverages containing 10 % whey protein isolate powder with a trained sensory panel and comparing the proportion of citations at regular time intervals across the assessment window. The proportion of panellists selecting an attribute was used to represent panel confidence in the attribute's applicability. Using a consensus vocabulary for TCATA, mouthdrying was selected by 58 % of panellists at 30 s and 71 % at 60 s relative to consumption, identifying this attribute as relevant for temporal investigations. Sweetness was selected by fewer than 10 % of panellists throughout the assessment window. In sequential profiling, mouthdrying significantly increased over time whereas sweetness did not, confirming TCATA as an effective vocabulary selector in this context. The results demonstrate that TCATA can be used to ensure the unbiased selection of relevant attributes to be investigated in subsequent temporal intensity methods. The use of citation proportions can elucidate additional information from TCATA data surrounding the applicability of attributes and panel confidence.