Who is in the News: Are you ready to listen to your food?
This week, Professor Charles Spence is interviewed for BodyAndSoul.com.au:
Did you know that the secret to updating your eating habits may lie in something as unexpected as sound? According to a fascinating article on Professor Charles Spence, the originator of this groundbreaking research, sonic seasoning could hold the key to transforming the way we experience food.
In an intriguing article from Body+Soul, Professor Spence explores the concept of sonic seasoning and its potential impact on our eating habits. As it turns out, the soundscape we choose can have a profound influence on our perception of flavours. By carefully selecting the right kind of music, we may be able to trick our brains and enhance the taste of certain foods.
The study highlights a fascinating experiment conducted by Professor Spence, wherein specific music tracks were found to add 10-15% sweetness, bitterness, or other taste sensations to various types of food. This means that by simply adjusting the music we listen to while eating, we can customize our culinary experience and potentially even reduce cravings for certain flavours.
While the idea of sonic seasoning is truly exciting, it's important to approach it mindfully. As the article suggests, we should still be aware of our hunger cues and not let sound distract us from our body's natural signals. However, by leveraging the power of music, we can enhance our eating experience and cultivate a more mindful approach to food.
So, the next time you sit down for a meal, consider curating a playlist that complements the flavours you're aiming to experience. With sound as your culinary companion, you can embark on a sensory journey that delights the palate and nourishes the soul.
Professor Charles Spence is a renowned experimental psychologist specializing in multisensory perception and the crossmodal effects of sound, taste, and aroma on human behaviour. With over two decades of extensive research and expertise, Professor Spence has made significant contributions to the understanding of how our senses interact and influence our perception of the world.
Currently serving as the Head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at the University of Oxford, Professor Spence's work has gained international recognition and acclaim. He has authored numerous influential publications, including the award-winning book 'Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating,' which explores the multisensory aspects of gastronomy and the ways in which our senses shape our culinary experiences.