Sound Bites: How Sound Transforms The Way We Taste

4 mins read
Dining is far more than just taste—it’s a multisensory experience. But have you ever considered how sound can enhance the flavours on your plate? Whether the delicate notes of a high-pitched melody make a dessert feel even sweeter or the deep hum of a bassline intensifies the bitterness of dark chocolate, sound undeniably influences how we experience food.

At KEF, we believe that great sound elevates every experience. That’s why we’re exploring the fascinating connection between sound and taste.

The Science Behind Sound and Taste

The idea that sound can alter taste perception is rooted in a phenomenon known as cross-modal correspondence, the way our senses interact to shape our experiences. Just as colour reportedly influences how we perceive flavour, sound can also directly impact how we experience different notes such as sweetness, bitterness and creaminess.

Pitch and Taste Perception

High-pitched sounds are linked to sweet and sour notes. The chime of a piano or a bright, airy melody can enhance the perception of sweetness in foods like chocolate, fruit, or other desserts. Low-pitched sounds have been found to intensify bitterness. The deep hum of a cello or a bassline can give coffee and dark chocolate an even more complex flavour.

A study conducted by Felipe Reinoso-Carvalho demonstrated this effect. Participants who listened to a high-pitched ‘sweet’ soundtrack rated chocolates as sweeter than those who heard a lower-pitched ‘bitter’ soundtrack. The results showed that sound does change the way we taste.

Sound and Texture Perception

According to a study by Ronald E. Milliman, which examined the influence of background music on restaurant patrons' behaviour, rhythm also influences our perception of food. Smooth, legato sounds, like a flowing symphony, enhance the sensation of creaminess, making foods like butter, yoghurt, or mousse feel more indulgent. Sharp, staccato sounds, like rhythmic drum beats, evoke crunchiness and crispiness, reinforcing the texture of foods such as crispy fries or crunchy granola.

Honest Cook Food - Meal Plated Up

How Sound Affects Our Eating Habits

Sound affects not only our taste but also the way we eat. The tempo of the music, background noise levels, and even the sound of the food itself can impact our dining experience, often without us even realising it.

Music Tempo and Eating Speed

The rhythm of music can set the pace of a meal. Fast-paced music encourages quicker eating, often leading to larger bites and less focus on flavour. Slower, ambient music encourages diners to savour each bite, drawing out the experience and enhancing taste perception.

This could be why fast-food chains play upbeat music, encouraging a quick turnover. At the same time, high-end dining venues use soft, slow-tempo music to create a more immersive, leisurely atmosphere.

The Impact of Background Noise on Taste

The noise around us can also alter how intensely we experience flavours. White noise, such as fans, air conditioning and engine noises, reportedly reduces our ability to discriminate between tastes, weakening our perception of sweetness and saltiness.

Why not experiment with your dining soundtracks and discover how great sound enhances your favourite music and transforms your favourite meals.

If you’re looking to upgrade your speaker system within your home to create a unique culinary experience, take a look at our wide selection of HiFi speakers, wireless HiFi speakers and architectural speakers. 

KEF Sound Bites Dining Experience

Our upcoming KEF Sound Bites event will take guests on a multisensory journey, pairing culinary creations from Honest Cook with carefully curated soundscapes. Throughout the event, each dish will be thoughtfully accompanied by a tailored soundtrack, enhancing the flavours and textures of the courses in unexpected ways, and exploring the fascinating link between sound and taste. 

Make sure to follow us on Instagram to see how the evening unfolds.

Image Credit: Honest Cook

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