Analysis of binary taste-taste interactions of MSG,lactic acid,and NaCl by temporal dominance of sensations

Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) is a relatively novel sensory evaluation technique that measures the temporal evolution of sensory perception. The sensory properties of food or drink products have been described by TDS; however, basic sensory data on TDS are still lacking. We analyzed TDS data for solutions of three basic tastes (umami, salty, and sour) and their binary combinations. The duration of TDS for the main taste of each type of solution (monosodium glutamate [MSG] for umami, sodium chloride [NaCl] for saltiness, and lactic acid for sourness) increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the duration of the umami taste of MSG was longer than that of MSG/inosine 5′-monophosphate solution with an umami taste of equivalent intensity. The duration of NaCl saltiness was increased by coexistence with MSG and decreased by coexistence with lactic acid. On the other hand, the duration of the umami taste of MSG was suppressed by coexistence with NaCl but not lactic acid, while the duration of the sour taste of lactic acid was suppressed by MSG but not NaCl. These findings provide novel insight into the temporal sequence of basic taste perception during food consumption.     

Aroma–taste interactions between a model cheese aroma and five basic tastes in solution

The flavour perception of cheese results from complex sensory interactions between tastes and aromas. Using a model cheese solution, this study investigated perceived interactions between each of five basic tastes and a cheese aroma mixture containing ten volatile compounds commonly found in cheese. The five tastes – sucrose (sweetness), sodium chloride (NaCl) (saltiness), monosodium glutamate (MSG) (umami), lactic acid (sourness), and caffeine (bitterness) – were individually mixed with cheese aroma in water using a 5 taste level (0.2 log series) by 3 aroma level (0.5 log series) design. Aroma controls with no added taste were also included. This resulted in 18 samples for each single taste–aroma combination. An additional 18 samples were produced using a mixture of all 5 tastes with the 3 aroma levels. A panel of trained assessors (n = 10) evaluated cheese flavour intensity and taste intensity using 100 point line scales. Evaluation was carried out in duplicate, with samples grouped by taste type; 1 evaluation session per taste per replicate. Within type, order of presentation was balanced, and taste type order was randomised between replicates. Cheese flavour intensity was enhanced by sucrose and NaCl, while being suppressed by lactic acid. NaCl enhanced cheese flavour intensity the most at high aroma level, while lactic acid suppressed the most at low aroma level. When MSG level was increased, cheese flavour intensity was enhanced at both low and medium aroma levels, but was suppressed at the high aroma level. The greatest enhancement of cheese flavour intensity was found with the mixture of 5 tastes. Aroma significantly enhanced umami and bitterness, but did not enhance sweetness, saltiness, or sourness. This study showed that the perceived interaction between taste and cheese aroma depended on taste type and on the concentration levels of both taste type and aroma. The mixture of tastes was more effective at enhancing cheese flavour intensity than single tastes. This study provides knowledge that will underpin further study of taste–aroma interactions in a model cheese that aims to optimise cheese flavour intensity and character.     

基于电子舌与人工感官的茶叶滋味属性参考物呈味强度相关性分析

目的:探究电子舌和人工感官对茶叶滋味属性参考物呈味强度的相关性。方法:以奎宁、明矾、谷氨酸钠、蔗糖和柠檬酸依次为苦、涩、鲜、甜、酸滋味属性参考物,在觉察阈值基础上,分析各滋味属性参考物电子舌和人工感官的浓度—呈味强度关系及其相关性。结果:奎宁苦味觉察阈值为0.015 mg/mL、对应电子舌响应值为4.91;明矾涩味觉察阈值为0.01 mg/mL、对应电子舌响应值为3.32;谷氨酸钠鲜味觉察阈值为0.03 mg/mL、对应电子舌响应值为1.32;蔗糖甜味觉察阈值为0.4 mg/mL、对应电子舌响应值为18.07,柠檬酸酸味觉察阈值为0.04 mg/mL、对应电子舌响应值为6.18。各滋味属性参考物的人工感官和电子舌浓度—呈味强度均呈一定函数曲线关系,符合Weber-Fechne定律;在所选浓度范围内,柠檬酸(酸味)和蔗糖(甜味)电子舌呈味强度与人工感官强度呈正相关,奎宁(苦味)和明矾(涩味)电子舌呈味强度与人工感官强度呈负相关。结论:茶叶中5种滋味属性参考物电子舌检测与人工感官浓度—呈味强度具有一定相关性。     

The associations between genetics,salt taste perception and salt intake in young adults

Food liking is one of the main determinants of food intake. Salt taste perception and preference, that play a role in liking of salt, may be genetically determined, although research in humans is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between genetics, salt taste perception, preference, self-reported salt habit and intake. The participants were young (18–35 years) and healthy adults (32 males and 63 females). Salt taste thresholds were determined with British Standard ISO3972:2011 methodology and salt taste preference by ratings of saltiness and pleasantness of tomato soup with salt concentrations reflecting salt content in foods. Self-reported salt habit was determined by asking participants how salty they usually eat their food and salt intake with two 24-hour 5-step multiple pass recalls. Genotyping for variants in the SCNN1B rs239345 and TRPV1 rs8065080 was performed. Participants homozygous for the minor allele of the rs8065080 had lower ratings of saltiness (p = 0.008) and higher ratings of pleasantness of soup (p = 0.027) when compared to major allele carriers. Preference for salt in soup was associated with salt habit (p = 0.003) and participants with high salt preference had higher salt intake compared to those with low salt preference (2236 ± 261 vs. 1543 ± 107 mg/1000 kcal, p = 0.017). TRPV1 rs8065080 may play a role in salt taste perception and preference, which should be confirmed in a larger sample size study. Hedonic appeal of salty food should be considered when providing personalised advice to change this behaviour.     

The role of sour and bitter perception in liking,familiarity and choice for phenol-rich plant-based foods

Among factors influencing food preferences and choices, individual differences in taste perception play a key role in defining eating behaviour. In particular, sour and bitter responsiveness could be associated with the acceptance and the consumption of phenol-rich plant-based foods recommended for a healthy diet. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a large population sample, the associations among sour and bitter responsiveness and liking, familiarity and choice for plant-based foods characterized by these target tastes. Adults aged 18 to 60 years (n = 1198; 58% women) were tested for their sour and bitter responsiveness both in water solutions and in food models (pear juice-based beverages modified in citric acid content to induce different levels of sourness: 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 g/kg; chocolate pudding samples modified in sucrose content to induce different levels of bitterness: 38, 83, 119, 233 g/kg). Familiarity, stated liking and choice for fruit juices and vegetables varying for sour/bitter taste (high in bitter/sour taste: e.g. grapefruit juice and cauliflower; low in bitter/sour taste: e.g. zucchini and pineapple juice) were measured. Results showed a significant positive correlation between bitter and sour taste perception in water solutions and model foods, as well as a positive correlation between the perceived intensity of the two taste stimuli. Subjects characterized by high responsiveness to the two target stimuli were found to give lower liking scores to foods characterized by sour/bitter tastes and tended to choose less sour/bitter foods compared to less responsive subjects.Thus, food choice for phenol rich plant-based products could be associated with a reduced responsiveness to bitter and sour tastes and a consequent higher acceptance of food products characterized by these taste qualities.     

Umami Taste Enhancement of MSG/NaCl Mixtures by Subthreshold L-α-Aromatic Amino Acids

l ‐Phenylalanine (l ‐Phe) and l ‐tyrosine (l ‐Tyr) are L‐α‐aromatic amino acids that have recently been discovered to be important components of the savory fractions of soy sauce in addition to l ‐glutamate. Their effects are evaluated on the umami or savory taste of monosodium L‐glutamate (MSG), with or without sodium chloride (NaCl). Because l ‐Phe at subthreshold concentration (1.0 mM) significantly enhances an umami taste of a MSG/NaCl mixture (P= 0.000), combinations of 4 subthreshold concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 mM) of l ‐Phe with a weakly suprathreshold MSG (4.0 mM) and NaCl (80 mM) mixture were then rated for salty and umami intensities relative to those of standard solutions. L‐Phe was found to significantly enhance the umami tastes of the MSG/NaCl mixtures when it was added in a concentration range of 0.5 to 5.0 mM (P= 0.000). However, neither the umami taste of MSG alone nor the salty taste of NaCl alone was intensified. In a further experiment, l ‐Tyr at the 3 subthreshold concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1.5 mM) studied was shown to have the same activity as L‐Phe. The phenomenon of umami or savory enhancement by subthreshold aromatic amino acids in the soy sauce system has been established.     

Umami peptides: assessment of their alleged taste properties

 In the literature there are reports that 31 di-and tripeptides elicit umami (i.e. monosodium L-glutamate-like or MSG-like) or savoury tastes. However, the occurrence of “umami peptides” is questioned with regard to the high specificity of those that give an umami taste. A total of 12 dipeptides and 4 tripeptides were selected for a re-examination of their taste properties. Criteria were that: (1) their taste has been described as umami, savoury or brothy; (2) they have a threshold value; and (3) they should fit into the theoretical framework of L-glutamyl peptides discussed. The peptides – in aqueous solutions, at room temperature, at pH 6.0 and 4.0, and at concentrations well above the reported threshold values – were tasted. Panel members were selected on the basis of their ability to perceive the umami taste of 2.67 mM MSG at pH 6.0. None of the peptides tested was found to elicit an umami taste. The taste of L-glutamic acid in the peptides was lost and furthermore the taste of bitter amino acids in the peptides was no longer perceivable. Within the range of Glu-X peptides, even Glu-Glu and Glu-Asp, which have previously been reported to elicit umami tastes, did not taste MSG-like either in pure solution or in the presence of sodium chloride. The tripeptide Ala-Glu-Ala, reported to have an “umami threshold” value as low as 0.8 mM, was found not to have an umami taste or any other specific taste up to 10 mM. The general occurrence of umami peptides appears to be highly unlikely. Received: 6 December 1996     

Effects of pH Adjustment and Sodium Ions on Sour Taste Intensity of Organic Acids

ABSTRACT:  Protonated organic acid species have been shown to be the primary stimuli responsible for sour taste of organic acids. However, we have observed that sour taste may be modulated when the pH of acid solutions is raised using sodium hydroxide. Objectives were to evaluate the effect of pH adjustment on sour taste of equimolar protonated organic acid solutions and to investigate the potential roles of organic anions and sodium ions on sour taste perception. Despite equal concentrations of protonated acid species, sour taste intensity decreased significantly with increased pH for acetic, lactic, malic, and citric acids ( P < 0.05). Total organic anion concentration did not explain the suppression of sour taste in solutions containing a blend of 3 organic acids with constant concentration of protonated organic acid species and hydrogen ions and variable organic anion concentrations ( R ²= 0.480, P  = 0.12). Sour taste suppression in these solutions seemed to be more closely related to sodium ions added in the form of NaOH ( R ²= 0.861, P  = 0.007). Addition of 20 mM NaCl to acid solutions resulted in significant suppression of sour taste ( P  = 0.016). However, sour taste did not decrease with further addition of NaCl up to 80 mM. Presence of sodium ions was clearly shown to decrease sour taste of organic acid solutions. Nonetheless, suppression of sour taste in pH adjusted single acid solutions was greater than what would be expected based on the sodium ion concentration alone, indicating an additional suppression mechanism may be involved.     

Exploring the effects of genotypical and phenotypical variations in bitter taste sensitivity on perception,liking and intake of brassica vegetables in the UK

Brassicaceous vegetables (BV) have chemoprotective effects and yet consumption of BV in the UK is low. Previous studies suggest perception, liking and intake of BV are influenced by bitter taste sensitivity which this study further explores. Phenotypical taste sensitivity of 136 subjects was classified using propythiouracil (PROP) and sodium chloride and fungiform papillae density (FPD) was measured from tongue images. Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 and gustin (CA6) genes were analysed. Liking and bitterness of four raw vegetables (two BV (broccoli and white cabbage) and two non-BV (spinach and courgette)), as well as habitual consumption, were evaluated.There was a significant association between TAS2R38 genotype and PROP taster status (p < 0.0001) and between FPD and PROP taster status (p = 0.029). Individuals with greater sensitivity for PROP predominantly had TAS2R38 PAV/PAV genotype and greater FPD. BV were perceived as more bitter than non-BV (p < 0.0001) with PAV/PAV subjects perceiving significantly stronger bitter intensity. There was a significant difference in liking for the four vegetables (p = 0.002), and between consumers of different TAS2R38 genotype (p = 0.0024). Individuals with TAS2R38 AVI/AVI genotype liked BV more. Regarding intake, both PAV/PAV and AVI/AVI individuals consumed more total vegetables and BV than PAV/AVI. Although PROP nontasters tended to consume more vegetables and BV than the other two phenotype groups, liking and vegetable intake were not significantly affected by taste phenotype. Although there was not a significant effect of CA6 genotype on bitterness ratings, there was a significant interaction between CA6 and TAS2R38, and in addition CA6 genotype was significantly associated with BV intake. However, these effects require validation as the proportions of the population with the CA6 G/G genotype was extremely small (7%).Our results confirmed that bitter taste perception in vegetables was influenced by both genotype and phenotype of bitter taste sensitivity. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that neither genotype nor phenotype of taste sensitivity alone accurately predict vegetable liking and intake as demographic factors were found to have a substantial influence.     

“厚味”γ-谷氨酰-缬氨酸增味作用差异性机制

γ-谷氨酰-缬氨酸（γ-Glu-Val）具有多变的呈味特性,在水溶液中呈现涩味,可以增强基本味觉物质的味感强度,赋予奶酪、鸡汤、酱油等食物厚味味感。目前对于γ-Glu-Val呈味特性的机理研究甚少,尤其是鲜见它对于味觉增强效果的差异性机制的研究。本实验利用感官实验和分子模拟对γ-Glu-Val增味作用的差异性机制进行研究。感官实验结果显示,γ-Glu-Val对于基本味感（鲜味、甜味、咸味和酸味）均有一定的提升作用,而对于鲜味的提升效果最为明显。分子模拟实验的结果表明,γ-Glu-Val对基本味感受体（T1R1、T1R2和T1R3）均有一定的亲和力,其中对于鲜味受体T1R1的亲和力最强、结合自由能最高,与此相反,γ-Glu-Val对甜味受体T1R2的亲和力最弱、结合自由能最低,暗示其增鲜作用强于增甜作用。分子动力学结果显示,在味精存在的前提下,γ-Glu-Val可通过氢键和疏水键与鲜味受体T1R1上的氨基酸残基（Phe-274、Ser-275、Ser-300、Trp-303、Ala-147、Ala-170）相互作用,激活鲜味受体,以实现其增鲜作用。本实验解析了γ-Glu-Val增味作用差异性分子机制,为进一步验证其呈味机理提供理论支撑;同时为小分子物质的增味作用研究提供了思路。     

MEASUREMENT OF THE RELATIVE TASTE INTENSITY OF SOME L-α-AMINO ACIDS AND 5'-NUCLEOTIDES

SUMMARY— Intensity of glutamate-like and/or inosinate-like taste (umami in Japanese) of various flavor amino acids and flavor nucleotides was studied using sensory analysis and always found proportional to that of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium 5'-inosinate (IMP), respectively. By application of this fact to a previously obtained equation expressing the relationship between the taste intensity of MSG-IMP mixture and that of MSG alone, the intensity of umami of the mixture of any flavor amino acids and nucleotides could be expressed as an elementary equation: y = u +γ uv, where u and v are the concentrations of amino acids and nucleotides in terms of the concentrations of MSG and IMP, respectively, in the mixture; y is the equivalent concentration of MSG alone; and γ is a positive constant. Interrelationships within each group of substances were additive.     

广西北部湾3 种贝类中主要呈味物质的测定及呈味作用评价

测定广西北部湾牡蛎(Crassostrea rivularis)、文蛤(Meretrix meretrix)和波纹巴非蛤(Paphia undulata) 3种贝类中的呈味核苷酸(AMP、GMP、IMP)、糖原等非挥发性呈味物质的含量,并采用味道强度值和等价鲜味值(或味精当量)评价这些非挥发性呈味物质的呈味作用鲜味强度。结果表明：牡蛎、文蛤和波纹巴非蛤的味精当量分别为3.2、1.9、2.7g MSG/100g,对应的味精当量的味道强度值分别是106.7、63.3、90,均远大于1,是其呈强烈鲜味的主要原因。     

Prediction,molecular docking and identification of novel umami hexapeptides derived from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

This paper investigated umami hexapeptides derived from myosin of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) using homology modelling, molecular docking, taste evaluation and e-tongue verification. After hydrolysing and prediction in silico, potential bioactivity, toxicity and physicochemical properties of 48 hexapeptides were predicted. Five hexapeptides were selected to dock with the T1R1–T1R3 homology model which was built with SWISS-MODEL. Docking results showed that the five hexapeptides could enter the docking region, and INKPGL, SDSCIR and GPDPER had the lowest CDOKER_ENERGY. E-tongue result showed that the umami and richness value of all the three hexapeptides in 0.4 mg mL⁻¹ were higher than a 0.1% MSG solution. Sensory evaluation result showed that INKPEL had the strongest umami taste among the three hexapeptides and the umami threshold value was 0.25 mg mL⁻¹. These results suggested that homology modelling can be used for predicting umami peptides, and three umami hexapeptides were identified by in silico screening.     

Molecular insights into human taste perception and umami tastants: A review

Understanding taste is key for optimizing the palatability of seaweeds and other non-animal-based foods rich in protein. The lingual papillae in the mouth hold taste buds with taste receptors for the five gustatory taste qualities. Each taste bud contains three distinct cell types, of which Type II cells carry various G protein-coupled receptors that can detect sweet, bitter, or umami tastants, while type III cells detect sour, and likely salty stimuli. Upon ligand binding, receptor-linked intracellular heterotrimeric G proteins initiate a cascade of downstream events which activate the afferent nerve fibers for taste perception in the brain. The taste of amino acids depends on the hydrophobicity, size, charge, isoelectric point, chirality of the alpha carbon, and the functional groups on their side chains. The principal umami ingredient monosodium l -glutamate, broadly known as MSG, loses umami taste upon acetylation, esterification, or methylation, but is able to form flat configurations that bind well to the umami taste receptor. Ribonucleotides such as guanosine monophosphate and inosine monophosphate strongly enhance umami taste when l -glutamate is present. Ribonucleotides bind to the outer section of the venus flytrap domain of the receptor dimer and stabilize the closed conformation. Concentrations of glutamate, aspartate, arginate, and other compounds in food products may enhance saltiness and overall flavor. Umami ingredients may help to reduce the consumption of salts and fats in the general population and increase food consumption in the elderly.     

Nonvolatile taste components of fruit bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link (Clavicipitaceae), northern Cordyceps, is currently available in Taiwan for use in the formulation of nutraceuticals and functional foods. The nonvolatile components in the form of fruit bodies and mycelia were studied. Both fruit bodies and mycelia were high in contents of carbohydrate, crude fiber and crude protein. Content of total sugars and polyols were 260.64 and 189.82 mg/g for fruit bodies and mycelia, respectively. Mannitol content was the highest in both fruit bodies and mycelia (117.66 and 112.55 mg/g, respectively). Contents of total free amino acids in fruit bodies and mycelia were 48.15 and 67.63 mg/g, respectively. The content of monosodium glutamate (MSG)-like components in fruit bodies (10.60 mg/g) was higher than that in mycelia (2.70 mg/g). The contents of total and flavor 5′-nucleotides were high in mycelia (26.27 and 9.34 mg/g, respectively). Equivalent umami concentrations of fruit bodies and mycelia were similar, and equivalent to the umami intensity given by 6.08 and 6.22 g of MSG, respectively. Overall, both fruit bodies and mycelia of northern Cordyceps possessed highly intense umami taste.     

Genetic differences in fat taste sensitivity and dietary intake in a UK female cohort

Over the past decade, a potential sixth taste, fat taste (“oleogustus”), has been identified. Studies in adults and children of various ethnicities have demonstrated that both lifestyle and genetic factors may contribute to fat taste sensitivity (FTS). Data on females in the UK is limited. The aim of this study was to determine, using an ethnically similar, healthy, female cohort, whether known genotypes related to fat taste and dietary intake lead to differences in FTS. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a UK cohort of Caucasian females (32.7 ± 11.4 years, 23.7 ± 3.6 kg/m²). We report that FTS differed in individuals with differing genotypes; genotypes that have previously been associated with differences in dietary intake. Specifically, FTS was lower in rs1514175 Troponin I-Interacting Protein Kinase (TNNI3K) gene AA/AG genotype and was higher in rs6265 Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene TT/CT genotype (both p < 0.05). We also report that participants in the rs1514175 TNNI3K AA/AG genotype group had a higher energy intake, total fat intake, and subsequently, higher monounsaturated fat and saturated fat intake when compared to the GG genotype (all p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first study showing associations between genotypes that have been previously associated to dietary intake are also associated to FTS. Due to the heterogeneity of previous research and the infancy of fat taste research, further research is required on a larger, ethnically similar cohort.     

滋味物质间相互作用的研究进展

人类的味觉提供了有关食品质量及其组成的必要信息。人类可鉴别出食物的5 种基本味觉,即甜、咸、酸、苦和鲜味,但食物是多种滋味化合物组成的混合体系,因此滋味物质间相互作用是不可避免的。滋味物质间的相互作用发生在3 个层面,即化合物混合时的化学反应、一种物质对另一种物质滋味受体的影响、混合物质在大脑中的综合感知。其中研究较多的是滋味物质在第二层面上的相互作用。二元、三元及多元滋味物质之间的关系是复杂的：当滋味化合物低强度/浓度混合时呈现增强效应;中等强度/浓度往往呈现加和作用;高强度/浓度混合时常呈现抑制作用。另外,滋味感知受很多因素的影响,如温度、pH值、黏度、硬度、受试者生理状况等。滋味物质间相互作用的研究主要聚焦在饮料滋味改良、药品苦味掩盖和口腔护理产品开发等具有广阔研究前景。     

Can umami taste be an adequate tool for reducing sodium in food preparations?

Researches indicate that the Brazilian population is still consuming sodium in excess and national epidemiological studies, have not verified the impact of taste modifications provided by the formulations available on the market and in homemade meals. The objective is to verify whether the basic umami taste, in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG) monohydrate, is an alternative for reducing sodium in the preparation of meals. Also, to confirm the ideal concentration of MSG equivalent to acceptance with salt, and the impact of an explanatory video about warnings of salt excess on consumer behaviour, regarding the intention to use table salt in meals. For this study, three concentrations of sodium were used in the preparations rice and ground meat: one with the intrinsic sodium of the food, one with the addition of salt, 1 g for 100 g of rice and for meat, and one with salt and MSG, for 100 g of rice, 0.54% are of salt and 0.43% are of MSG and for 100 g of meat, 0.55% are of salt and 0.44% are of MSG. All quantities were suggested by a previous study, confirmed in a sensorial pre-test. The acceptability of preparations was assessed by the preference test. The levels of sodium and glutamic acid in the test preparations were also analysed. The results showed no significant difference between the exposed to the video. This study showed a sodium reduction of at least 30% in rice and 33% in ground meat, two kinds of meals widely consumed in Brazil, maintaining the same acceptance. These data suggest that the partial substitution of NaCl with MSG/umami can be an alternative to reduce sodium in meals.     

Coffee and tea choices and intake patterns in 20-to-40 year old adults

The main aim of this study was to analyze coffee and tea intake patterns considering body weight status and polymorphism of genes involved in bitter taste sensitivity. A group of normal weight and overweight or obese subjects aged 20–40 (n = 411) was recruited in Poznań, Poland. Three-day dietary records were used to assess daily intakes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using TaqMan SNP probes (TAS2R38: rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939) or the high-resolution melting method (CA6 rs2274333). 67.2% of the group drank coffee and 70.6% drank tea. Drinking only coffee was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 4.81, p = 0.041). BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² was associated with higher coffee intake (p = 0.010) and lower tea intake (p = 0.003). Higher taste-sensitivity of TAS2R38 gene was associated with a preference for bitter white coffee (OR = 1.74, p = 0.033). Over 50% of respondents ate sweet snacks while drinking coffee or tea. Consumption of sweet snacks was associated with drinking bitter black coffee (p = 0.044, OR 1.97) and sweet white coffee (p = 0.003, OR 2.92) and with BMI below 25 kg/m² (p = 0.016, OR = 0.51).Coffee and tea intake differed by body weight status. PAV haplotype (TAS2R38) was associated with a preference for bitter white coffee. The majority of the study group drank coffee and tea with additives (sugar, milk etc.) and ate sweet snacks with them.     

Consumption of lingonberries by TAS2R38 genotype and sensory quality of texture-designed lingonberry samples

Bitter taste receptor genotypes may be associated with the perception of bitterness in berries, and different processing methods may be used to modify the flavor of berry products. The aims of the present study were to investigate the consumption frequency of lingonberries among TAS2R38 genotyped subjects (n = 83) and to evaluate the sensory characteristics of different texture-modified lingonberry samples (subjects n = 12, samples n = 8). Reported intake of lingonberries varied with TAS2R38 genotype, with more bitter sensitive individuals consuming them less frequently. The flavor profile of lingonberries was modifiable by food structure. In particular, foam and/or emulsion structures decreased the perceived intensity of bitterness, astringency and sourness of lingonberry samples. Sweetness was significantly higher in heavy foamed jelly and foamed emulsion compared to pulp or foamed juice. In conclusion, new flavor and texture modification options should be investigated to increase the palatability and consumption of bitter tasting foods.