The aim of this study aimed to investigate food pairings as an important sensory phenomenon in order to
determine how different components in the selected food pairings affect and interact with other components.
Three novel food pairings (banana and bacon, banana and olive oil, and banana and rice) were selected. A
conjoint approach utilising qualitative (organic volatile analysis and descriptive sensory analysis) and
quantitative (comparable semi quantitative organic volatile analysis and affective sensory tests) methods
of analysis n an attempt to elucidate the success or failure of selected food pairings. Free choice profiling
(descriptive sensory analysis) data was analysed using Generalised Procrustes analysis. The correlation between
volatile analysis and descriptive sensory analysis results were analysed using ANOVA partial least squared
regression. Hedonic results were analysed using a Friedman rank sum test, while preference results were
analysed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The food pairings of banana and bacon and banana and rice were
found to be liked significantly more than banana and olive oil. The results of this study suggest that synergistic
and/or antagonistic interactions between the volatile compounds in the foods influenced the hedonic ratings
of these food pairings.