taste test

1. noun An evaluation in which multiple people taste two or more different brands, styles, or iterations of a food or drink item and express their preferences. Often called a "blind taste test." In blind taste tests around the country, consumers preferred our cola over the leading brand by a two-to-one margin. I suggest we invite loyal customers to conduct a taste test so they can compare our old recipe with our new one.

2. noun An evaluation of the quality of some food or drink by tasting it. Sorry, you may want to add some salt and pepper. I didn't do a taste test of the sauce while I was cooking and I definitely didn't season it enough. He did a quick taste test to see if the milk had gone off.

3. verb To evaluate the quality of some food or drink by tasting it. In this usage, the phrase is sometimes hyphenated. I still need to taste-test the soup before I serve it. Taste-testing food is standard practice in a kitchen. Just be sure to use a clean fork or spoon each time.