We’ve all probably noticed how a peppy tune can make us do cartwheels or how Queen’s “We Are the Champions” conjures memories of an unbelievable high school football win. You’ve also undoubtedly noticed the care you take when curating a Sunday brunch playlist - the ideal balance between late morning/early afternoon hum-along songs and more ambient sounds that won’t overpower conversation over your delicious kencko breakfast parfaits.  

Your playlist is potent. It can shape a moment, a morning, a memory, a meal. But did you know that your collection of songs can influence more than just the vibe of your fabulous brunch?

Whether enjoyed at home or in a restaurant, music can affect our food intake and sensory experience. Research shows that pitch, tempo, and volume can alter the taste of food, as well as how much and what you eat. So you may want to tinker with that playlist again, depending on what’s on the menu!

Tasty tunes 

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that music can influence our perception of taste! For example, they discovered that pitch - the specific placement of a sound within a set of notes - plays into our sensory experience.  Higher-pitched music amplifies the flavor of sweet or sour foods whereas lower-pitched sounds emphasize the bitter notes. In fact, studies show that music can sway that flavor dance in your mouth between 5 and 10 percent. That means if you play Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, your peanut butter and sugar-free jelly sandwich might taste up to 10% sweeter! 

So, why does this happen? 

Experts believe that this phenomenon is attributed to the mood induced by the music we hear, influencing our perception of taste. Positive, upbeat music can make us feel happier which can make food taste sweeter. Slow tunes can make us feel low, which can drag down the taste of food. 

Bites per minute 

Studies have also suggested that tempo can impact how fast we eat. Tempo is the speed music is played at. Tempo helps convey a range of feelings such as intensity or calm. Word on the street is that we drink faster and take more bites per minute when enjoying fast-tempo music - and we chew more intensely too. \

On the flip side, when listening to slower tunes we’re apt to eat slower and focus more. It’s also thought that our perception of sweetness and saltiness increases when we eat faster. Eating more slowly decreases our perception of sweetness and saltiness. Sounds like the best option is Bill Withers’ Lovely Day to strike that perfect harmony of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory when indulging in your 5-a-day of fruits and vegetables and other meal moments! 

Pump up the volume - or not 

The Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science also examined the effects of music 

on our eating habits. JAMS were especially curious about how volume influences food choices. The research team ended-up conducting a variety of experiments that touched upon similar aspects. Music was played at high (70 decibels) and low (50 decibels) levels to determine if such adjustments altered how healthy people’s choice of food was. During the experiments, people chose healthier items when exposed to softer melodies. 

The scientists also deduced that classical music may have promoted relaxation, which positively affected healthy habits. Conversely, scientists found that loud music and tunes with vocals elicited a stronger reaction and modified heart rate and blood pressure . Seemingly, stronger reactions to such songs can make us feel more full.

This is only a sampling of interesting synergies between food and music. Researchers continue to investigate as we continue to be more aware of food and music pairings. Why not create your own healthy playlist and get the most out of your meal moments - or smoothies?

Time to face the music

Now you’re probably wondering which tunes to play side-by-side your smoothies to give ‘em even more zip, zap, or zing! You’re in luck! We’ve got a few suggestions - how about playing Ed Sheeran’s high-pitched “Perfect” or Cher’s “Believe” to sweeten up your greens? Taylor Swift’s slow, slow tempo-d “Lover” to get your reds' glow on. And there’s Vangelis’ classic “Chariots of Fire” to pair with your purples and help rescue you from the day’s stress. If you prefer a sing-along song, why not go with Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” to truly relax and enjoy your purples -or really any kencko flavor! 

The spectrum of music-and-meal-moment pairings is endless! Try some experiments of your own at home - see if you notice a difference in your food sensory experience when playing with the pitch, tempo, and volume of your favorite playlists. And be sure to let us know how it turns out! 

Other sources: Slurrp, BigThink, Medical News Today, Science Direct, Study.com