A British musicologist has composed a melody designed to enhance the taste of chocolate, making it feel sweeter and more indulgent when heard during consumption.
Dr Natalie Hyacinth, a music and science expert at the University of Bristol, revealed that certain rhythms and tones can deceive the brain, altering the perception of sweetness. Her findings are based on over six decades of research into the interaction between sound and taste.
According to Dr Hyacinth, the brain engages in a process known as multisensory integration, where the senses of sound, taste and texture influence one another. This process may cause chocolate to taste creamier and sweeter when paired with soft and slow music, whereas sharp or fast beats may make the same chocolate taste bitter.
In light of these findings, Galaxy Chocolate collaborated with Dr Hyacinth to develop a musical piece titled Sweetest Melody. The tune is now available on YouTube and Spotify and has been composed to match the duration it takes for a piece of chocolate to melt in the mouth.
Further supporting the link between music and sensory experience, a survey of 2,000 individuals in the United Kingdom found that 37 per cent preferred sweet foods during their personal ‘me-time’, while 56 per cent reported feeling more relaxed when listening to music.
Earlier research also suggested that consuming chocolate may improve blood circulation, adding to its appeal when paired with the right auditory stimuli.
