BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Self Development Does Sound Affect the Taste of Food

A very warm welcome to the Self Development Forum !

Does sound affect the taste of food? This self development article discusses some of the research studies and their implications. Try playing about with different sound levels of noise and music, and see what effects this has on your food and dining experience!

See: Does Sound Affect the Taste of Food

* At restaurants, do you find you taste more if it is quiet?
* Do certain sounds make your food taste more sweet or salty?
* Are flavours more intense with certain types of music?

I'd love to receive your feedback so do add your comments, queries, thoughts, etc., to this Forum thread. I look forward to hearing from you!

I have personally found that when I am in a noisy restaurant I don't enjoy my meal as much. Quieter establishments or those with very soft music bring about the best dining experiences for me.

Hi Cassie, thanks for sharing your experience. The acoustic stimulus of noise (or loud music) does seem to affect people's taste buds. (JOY)

I recently lost hearing in one ear for 10 days (after a cold) and everything started tasting so bland. I also noticed a big decrease in appetite. It was not a pleasant experience. I will never take my hearing for granted again!

Hi Monica, you are so right about taking one's hearing for granted. The sense of 'hearing' plays a much deeper role than people think! (JOY)

I had never realized the two senses were closely connected. That's interesting. The sounds in a restaurant affect me differently depending on the kind of day I've had. If I'm very stressed than I want quiet, soothing music. But another day I might be up for something louder and more lively. I never noticed it affecting my appetite. I'll have to pay more attention.

Hi Dannica, thanks for your comment. There are lots of experiments you can do. For starters, try eating the same food with loud music playing versus quieter music. The food will taste different. (JOY)

Definitely I find for me that I enjoy slow quiet music while eating. It encourages me to eat more slowly. I then realize more easily when I get full, and stop eating.

Hi Lisa, true - more soothing music does indeed make one eat slower. A great tool for keeping one's weight in check! (JOY)

You have totally given me something to think about. I've never thought about maybe adding this to my mealtime with my family. I've done it when we've had guests every so often (played quiet music in the background). But why not do it every night when we gather for dinner. Your post has helped my life! Thank you.