A Ranking test is one of the simplest forms of sensory analysis used in Food Technology and Hospitality & Catering. They allow us to compare several products by placing them in order according to a specific characteristic.
Ranking tests are particularly useful when we want to compare different versions of a recipe or identify which product performs best.
What is a ranking test?
A ranking test is a sensory evaluation method where testers place a number of products in order according to a chosen characteristic.
For example, products could be ranked according to:
- sweetness
- saltiness
- crispiness
- appearance
- aroma
- texture
- overall preference
Unlike a hedonic scale, which measures how much someone likes a product, a ranking test simply asks testers to place products in order. Just like you would see football teams be ranked in order on league tables.
Why do we use ranking tests?
Ranking tests are useful because they:
- are quick and easy to complete
- allow several products to be compared at once
- provide numerical data
- help identify trends and preferences
- support product development
- help justify recipe modifications
They are widely used in food science and practical food investigations.
Example
Imagine you have developed three biscuit recipes with different amounts of sugar.
You ask testers to rank the biscuits according to sweetness.
| Product | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Original recipe | 1 |
| Reduced sugar recipe | 2 |
| No added sugar recipe | 3 |
In this example, the original recipe was perceived as the sweetest product.
This information can then be used to decide whether the reduced sugar recipe requires further development.
Common mistakes when using ranking tests
One of the biggest mistakes students make is confusing ranking with scoring.
For example:
| Product | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| A | 7/10 |
| B | 5/10 |
| C | 9/10 |
This is not a ranking test.
Instead, products should be placed in order:
| Product | Correct ranking |
|---|---|
| A | 2 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 1 |
Remember that ranking tests compare products against each other rather than giving them individual scores.
Advantages of using a ranking test
- Quick and easy to complete
- Allows several products to be compared
- Produces numerical data
- Useful for product development
- Easy for students to understand
Disadvantages of using a ranking test
- Does not explain why a product was preferred
- Results can be subjective
- Differences between products may be very small
- Testers may rank products differently
When should I use a ranking test?
Ranking tests work particularly well when:
- comparing several recipes
- reducing sugar or salt
- testing healthier products
- comparing commercial products
- carrying out practical investigations
- evaluating recipe modifications
Ranking tests and healthier food products
Ranking tests are particularly useful when developing healthier recipes.
For example, if you reduce the amount of sugar, salt or fat in a recipe, testers can rank the products according to sweetness, saltiness or overall preference.
This allows you to identify whether the healthier version remains acceptable to consumers.
Create your own ranking test
Want to create your own printable ranking tests?
Try our free Sensory Analysis Toolkit, which allows you to generate:
- ranking tests
- hedonic scales
- sensory star profiles
- triangle tests
- JAR scales
- semantic differential scales
- sensory evaluation sheets
You may also find our guide to Sensory Words for Food helpful when analysing your results.
