Can Music Improve Food Flavour?

A psychologist said that certain music can enhance food taste.

16:56 09 December 2015

Certain music can hit the right chord on taste buds, enhancing food, according to Oxford University psychologist Professor Charles Spence.

 

In his study, he found that pop music can make curries taste spicier while jazz can enhance the taste of Thai food. The study also found that tracks like Ever Fallen In Love by the Buzzcocks can make the korma rock. Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran's Sing makes wonders on Chinese sweet and sour dishes, helping blend the two flavours.

 

The study was participated by 700 takeaway fans who were subjected to six different types of music while eating different types of food.

 

Prof Spence said music acted as “digital seasoning” and could lift or spoil a dish.

 

“Most of us believe that we experience food primarily through sense of taste, smell, and vision, but a growing body of research now shows that the music playing in the background can also have an influence,” he said.

 

“It is an exciting area - how soundscapes and music come together with taste to make the whole experience more stimulating, more enjoyable, and possibly even more memorable. It’s a kind of digital seasoning.”

 

But he added: “Don’t play Justin Bieber when you order a takeaway.”