Satiety in face of variety: On sensory-specific satiety and perceived food variety

Abstract

Sensory-specific satiety (SSS) is the relative decrease in sensory pleasure derived from a specific food or drink with its consumption. Such satiation does not require ingestion, but hinges on exposure to a given flavour. As it affects meal termination, it is important in determining overall intake. Variety in a meal or dish undermines SSS and promotes consumption of the meal. In the present study, the hypothesis that the mere presentation and suggestion of food variety can undermine SSS was examined in a sample of 92 undergraduate students. All participants ate several bite-sized servings of a test food to induce SSS, but participants in the experimental group were shown another food during the consumption of the test food. Relative pleasure of the test food was determined before and directly after its repeated consumption by means of pleasure ratings and the desire to eat that particular food. Relative pleasure of the test food decreased in both groups. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that the mere presence of another food during intake undermines SSS for a given test food.