A new low-cost method developed by researchers allows breweries to detect off-flavours in beer using a smartphone camera and a simple test strip—cutting out the need for expensive lab equipment.
The test focuses on dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound that affects beer flavor. At low levels, DMS adds desirable notes, but at higher concentrations, it creates unwanted aromas, such as cooked vegetables. Maintaining DMS within an acceptable range is a critical part of quality control for brewers.
Traditionally, DMS levels are measured using gas chromatography, a process that’s often too costly and complex for small and mid-sized producers. The new approach uses a paper-based strip that changes colour in reaction to DMS, and a smartphone is used to analyse the colour intensity and estimate concentration.
Trials showed the method produced results comparable to those from lab testing, making it a viable quality check for breweries that lack dedicated in-house labs.
For craft brewers and smaller producers navigating thin margins and rising input costs, this kind of accessible testing tool could offer a practical way to maintain flavour consistency without added overhead.