The Lab: Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Exercise Sensory Evaluation Lab

Research shows that athletes’ taste preferences change dramatically during exercise, so that the foods and beverages that may be preferred at rest are often not preferred while active. In the GSSI Exercise Sensory Laboratory, scientists measure sensory responses to foods and beverages ingested under hot, sweaty, and thirsty conditions. This research is important, because the taste, color, aroma, and “mouthfeel” of foods and beverages are major determinants of how much an athlete will ingest during training and competition.

Exercise Sensory Lab Tour

1. GSSI researchers lead athletes of varying ages through exercise protocols that last from one to three hours.
2. During each protocol test, the athletes receive food or drink at prescribed times, and are allowed to consume as much or as little as they want.
3. As they exercise, the athletes involved in the testing procedure also complete sensory evaluation surveys for the product they are given that outline their likes and dislikes. This information is used by Gatorade product development scientists to fine tune Gatorade products to best meet the needs of active consumers.