Product analysis is carried out to:
- investigate how a product is made;
- analyse the type and amount of ingredients used;
- gain ideas for new product development;
- compare differences between brands;
- check that a product matches its specification.
Aspects of product analysis include:
- Describing physical attributes, e.g. appearance and weight;
- Recording cost;
- Undertaking sensory evaluation tests, e.g. appearance, odour, taste and texture;
- Performing nutritional analysis;
- Investigating ingredients used, e.g. type, source, weight and percentage;
- Researching preparation or manufacturing techniques;
- Considering shelf-life issues;
- Reviewing its target group;
- Looking at packaging, e.g. type, function and material.
Last reviewed: 28/11/2012
Next review date: 28/11/2015
Bento Box
This example looks at the ingredients used in a Japanese Bento box for lunch.
Samosa
This example looks at the ingredients used in a meat and vegetable samosa. It shows one way in which pupils could analyse food products. This type of analysis is used to:
- * investigate how a product is made;
- * analyse what ingredients are used;
- * check that the product matches its specification (recipe).
Ice Cream
This example looks at the ingredients used in an ice cream product. It examines the functional properties of each ingredient used.