Iatridi, Vasiliki, Hayes, John E. and Yeomans, Martin R. (2019) Reconsidering the classification of sweet taste liker phenotypes: a methodological review. Food Quality and Preference, 72. pp. 56-76. ISSN 0950-3293

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Abstract

Human ingestive behavior depends on myriad factors, including both sensory and non-sensory determinants. Of the sensory determinants, sweet taste is a powerful stimulus and liking for sweetness is widely accepted as an innate human trait. However, the universality of sweet-liking has been challenged. Sub-groups exhibiting strong liking (sweet likers) or having aversive responses to sweet taste (sweet dislikers) have been described, but the methods defining these phenotypes are varied and inconsistent across studies. Here, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches in identifying sweet taste liker phenotypes in a comprehensive review. Prior studies (N = 71) using aqueous sucrose solution-based taste tests and a definition of two or more distinct hedonic responses reported between 1970 and 2017 were summarized. Broadly speaking, four different phenotyping methods have been used: 1. Interpretation (visual or statistical) of the shape of hedonic response curves, 2. Highest preference using ratings, 3. Average liking above mid-point or Positive/Negative average liking method, and 4. Highest preference via paired comparisons. Key methodological weaknesses included the use of subjective or arbitrary criteria as well as adoption of protocols unsuitable for large-scale implementation. Overall, we did not identify a method distinctly superior to the others. Given the role of both hedonics and reward in food intake, a better understanding of individual variations in sweet taste perception could clarify how sweet-liking interplays with obesity or addictive behaviors such as alcohol misuse and abuse. The development of a universally used statistically robust and less time-consuming classification method is needed.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Flavor perception; gustation; hedonics; sugar; sweet tooth; taste preference
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Depositing User:	Sanjeedah Choudhury
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2018 11:48
Last Modified:	05 Sep 2019 01:00
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/79271

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