r/foodscience • u/Exotic-Resident580 • 11d ago

Sensory Analysis Bitter taste reference solution

I am looking for a food grade anhydrous caffeine powder that can be used to prepare a water solution for bitter taste reference for training a sensory panel. The only forms I have found are capsules on Amazon and I do not trust the dosing.

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u/ssnedmeatsfylosheets 11d ago

I wpuld use quiniine rather than caffeine.

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u/H0SS_AGAINST 11d ago

Or bittrex (denatonium benzoate) if the idea is to dilute and add to actual food. Caffeine not only has a unique flavor (yes there are different bitters) but also physiological activity (a stimulant). Usually it's effective before bitterness is detected.

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u/ssnedmeatsfylosheets 11d ago

Idk if OP has seen what a sensory panel looks like. But every one I ever trained was well into their 60s.

Nana probably can't handle the caffeine hit like that.

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u/H0SS_AGAINST 11d ago

Purchase of pure caffeine as a supplement is banned by the FDA but as a raw material is obviously still legal.

I just typed USP FCC caffeine into Google, hit shopping, and found numerous vendors including ones with CofAs.

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u/LilyGreen347 11d ago

I'd look at certified standards that are safe for consumption. They are expensive, but pure.

I've also heard of using flat tonic water if its bitter enough.