What stage in the food product development process provides detailed descriptions of what a product will be?

The stage in the food product development process that provides detailed descriptions of what a product will be is the product specifications phase. During this stage, specific characteristics such as the ingredients, nutritional information, sensory attributes, packaging details, and labeling requirements are outlined. This is essential as it creates a clear guideline for producers and ensures consistency in quality and compliance with regulatory standards.

Having well-defined product specifications allows for better communication among team members involved in the product's creation and helps in assessing the quality of the finished product against established criteria. It serves as a foundational document that guides the development and production teams throughout the entire process, from formulation to manufacturing.

Other stages like product design focus more on concepts and initial ideas rather than detailed descriptions, market research evaluates consumer needs and preferences rather than product particulars, and quality control deals with ensuring that the product meets the predefined standards established during the product specifications phase.