#Healthy food that tastes good tv

This is an emerging field of research, but the basic idea is that sound can make food taste better. Conversely, if you are in a techno club hating the music, the less you will appreciate the taste of that beer or cocktail you are drinking. Say you are a jazz lover eating in a meal in Ronnie Scott’s – the more you like the music, the more you will enjoy your food. We are also susceptible to what he calls the “ hedonistic transfer” affect. “People deny that the music effects them but the data shows that it does,” said Spence. In other words, while we all think we are not susceptible to gimmicky marketing, studies actually prove we are more likely to buy French wine when there is French background music playing, or order a paella when we hear a bit of Spanish flamenco. Music, when not played at ear-splitting levels, can also “ bias our choices and our perception”. “When it gets too loud, it becomes noise, which can mask certain tastes.” “ Sound affects taste in various ways,” he explained. He is in no doubt this “ Nigella affect” exists. He has been studying the links between sound and taste for the past 20 years.

What’s more, the latest evidence has potentially massive implications for the food industry.Ĭharles Spence is Professor of Experimental Psychology and Head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory based at Oxford University.

#Healthy food that tastes good tv

UK food critic Nigella Lawson hit the headlines recently after she complained about loud music in restaurants, which, she said, “ drowns out the taste of the food”.Ĭue the inevitable Twitter abuse of ‘get over yourself’ and ‘first world problems’ from those who thought this a haughty grumble from the TV star.īut she’s correct, say the scientists: sound does influence taste.

Emulsifiers, stabilisers, hydrocolloids.

Chocolate and confectionery ingredients.

Carbohydrates and fibres (sugar, starches).