The Relationship Between Food and Music

Music has been extensively studied for its impact on human psychology and continues to be a popular topic in the scientific community. It is evident that music has a definite influence on people’s preferences and behaviors, and it also affects our choices in food and beverages. The relationship between food and music, which is a subject of scientific research, may reveal that there is a reason beyond entertainment for the presence of music in dining establishments.                                                                                                                                          According to research, listening to music while eating increases food intake and prolongs the duration of meals. Given this information, it can be seen as a correct choice or even a strategic practice for restaurants to serve meals accompanied by music. So, what do the different music preferences of different restaurants reveal about the relationship between food and music?

Based on a literature review, three determining factors can be identified in the relationship between food and music:

• Intensity of Music:

Different studies present different findings regarding the impact of music intensity on food intake, specifically the consumption of food and beverages. Some studies suggest that music intensity does not have an effect on food intake, while others indicate that high-intensity music increases the consumption of food, drinks, especially alcohol. Therefore, the loud music in establishments such as bars, taverns, and nightclubs, where alcohol consumption is prominent, may encourage customers to consume more.

• Genre of Music:

Research suggests that the genre of music is also a significant factor in the relationship between food and music. Rock music, for instance, is associated with increased alcohol consumption. Moreover, individuals tend to spend more money in venues playing classical or jazz music compared to those playing pop music. This is because classical and jazz music is known to enhance the enjoyment of food.

• Tempo of Music:

The tempo of the music also plays a determining role in the relationship between food and music. It has been observed that individuals who listen to fast-paced music chew their food faster and consume their drinks more quickly. Conversely, when slow-paced music is played, people eat their meals at a slower pace and, moreover, tend to spend more money at the restaurant. According to these findings, the tempo of music influences the speed at which people consume food but does not have an impact on the quantity of food consumed.

While the intensity, genre, and tempo of music are determining factors in the relationship between food and music, it is important not to overlook the impact of the dining location. For example, listening to the same music at home and in a restaurant can create different effects.

The Relationship Between Music and Taste Perception

According to Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Oxford, music can influence the taste perception of the food and drinks we consume. In his research on the relationship between music and wine, Spence suggests that the music listened to while sipping wine affects the enjoyment derived from the wine. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that selecting the “right” music can enhance the taste of wine because music influences the perception of the wine’s acidity and flavor (Spence & Wang, 2015).

Which Types of Music Encourage Healthy Eating?

According to a recent study by Charles Spence and his colleagues, music genre also influences people’s preference for healthy eating. The study conducted two experiments where participants were asked to rank different types of food (healthy/low-calorie sweet and salty, unhealthy/high-calorie sweet and salty) while listening to four different music genres: jazz, classical, rock/metal, and hip-hop. The results of the two experiments revealed that the relationship between music and food preferences is influenced by both the genre of music and the type of food.

Compared to rock/metal music, jazz and classical music were found to encourage individuals to choose healthy/low-calorie salty options (such as vegetable sandwiches).

Compared to classical music, rock/metal, hip-hop, and jazz music were found to encourage individuals to choose unhealthy/high-calorie salty options (such as smoked meat sandwiches).

Compared to other music genres, classical music influenced individuals to choose both healthy/low-calorie and unhealthy/high-calorie sweet options (such as low-fat milk and chocolate).

Conclusion

Music can significantly influence one’s eating experience, from the amount consumed to the taste experienced. Taking into account scientific research on the impact of music on food, the matching of ambiance and music plays an important role in the consumer experience. It is not a coincidence that bars generally prefer high-volume and rock/metal music, while fine-dining restaurants lean towards classical and jazz music.

Author: Betül Açı

Editor: Emine Türal

References:

• Cui, T., Xi, J., Tang, C., Song, J., He, J., & Brytek-Matera, A. (2021). The Relationship between Music and Food Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 13(8), 2571. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400481/
• Motoki, Kosuke & Takahashi, Nozomi & Velasco, Carlos & Spence, Charles. (2021). Is classical music sweeter than jazz? Crossmodal influences of background music and taste/flavour on healthy and indulgent food preferences. Food Quality and Preference, 104380. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354343421_Is_classical_music_sweeter_than_jazz_Crossmodal_influences_of_background_music_and_tasteflavour_on_healthy_and_indulgent_food_preferences
• Spence, Charles & Wang, Qian. (2015). Wine & music (II): Can you taste the music? Modulating the experience of wine through music and sound. Flavour, 4(1). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284275005_Wine_music_II_Can_you_taste_the_music_Modulating_the_experience_of_wine_through_music_and_sound
• Stroebele-Benschop, Nanette & de Castro, John. (2006). Listening to music while eating is related to increases in people’s food intake and meal duration. Appetite, 47(3), 285-9. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7060003_Listening_to_music_while_eating_is_related_to_increases_in_people’s_food_intake_and_meal_duration

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