Auditory Influences on Taste Perception

Research on multisensory perception has shown that taste is shaped not only by gustatory and olfactory input but also by auditory cues. This literature review examines how different types of sound like, food related sounds, music and ambient sounds, influence taste perception and broader dining experiences. Peer-reviewed experimental, field and online studies were reviewed to identify key mechanisms through which auditory stimuli affect flavour evaluation, emotional response and consumer behaviour. The findings indicate that food related sounds primarily influence judgments of texture and freshness, while music affects taste indirectly by shaping emotional states, arousal and expectations. Ambient sound, in contrast, operates at a contextual level, influencing comfort, authenticity and perceived value. Across studies, demographic variables such as age and gender were rarely examined as moderating factors, highlighting an important gap in the literature. The review also shows that musical genre itself is seldom treated as an experimental variable in these studies. Ultimately, the literature suggests that sound plays a meaningful role in shaping food experiences through perceptual, emotional and contextual pathways. Implications for gastronomy, hospitality and sensory design are discussed, alongside directions for future research.