The common ground between sensory and consumer science

• Consumer and sensory science are compared in terms of focus and method.
• Current developments require more integration of the two areas.
• Sensory and informational stimuli interact.
• Consumers learn from purchase via preparation to consumption.

Traditionally, sensory science has focused on consumption and consumer science on decision-making when dealing with food. Recent developments in the way consumers perceive quality in food make it imperative; however, that both fields of inquiry integrate better. The product micro lifecycle is proposed as a framework that views the process from purchase via preparation to consumption of food as a continuous learning process informed by both sensory and informational stimulation.