Challenge

To find out if a new coating made an analgesic tablet easier to swallow.

Solution

A central location test amongst regular, and less frequent, brand and non-brand users in the UK.  Respondents were medically pre-screened by self-report and gave informed consent. 
They swallowed the new and current tablet with water, following a balanced design, and answered a questionnaire about their experiences.  The amounts of water used were measured.

Outcome

The new coating was rated higher for swallowability. Liking was also increased and bitter taste reduced.  Respondents used less water to take the new tablet.  Collectively, the results supported an on-pack claim of Easier to Swallow for the new tablet.