TY - JOUR TI - Perceptual interactions between cooling and flavors DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T34T6GFH PY - 2014 AB - There are many studies on the perceptual interactions between taste and smell, however, few studies have focused on interactions between flavor and cooling sensations. To examine the interactions between these sensations, two studies were conducted. The objective of the first study was to determine whether perceptual interactions exist between cooling and flavors, whether these interactions are dependent on the congruency (appropriate pairing) of the flavor with cooling, and how this influences perceived intensity of cooling and flavor attributes. Based on studies of interactions between taste and smell, the expectation was that congruent pairings would enhance cooling and flavor intensities, while incongruent pairings would suppress or have no influence on attribute intensities. The objective of the second study was to understand how cooling compounds influence liking and emotions when added to congruent and incongruent flavored model beverages. Concentrations corresponding to moderate and low cooling intensities were determined with a dose-response study of WS-3 (N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide). WS-3 concentrations were varied in flavored model beverages (apple, spearmint, caramel). Intensity scales were employed to study the effects of the mixtures on cooling and flavor intensities using ScentMove® and affective scales to study the hedonics and emotions related to these mixtures. Results indicated that moderate intensity WS-3 significantly increased perceived intensity of spearmint flavor (a congruent pairing) over the flavor alone for a period of 2 minutes from tasting, while there was no influence of cooling intensity on apple or caramel intensities (incongruent pairings). For apple and caramel, increasing levels of WS-3 corresponded with decreased liking and positive emotions, as well as higher disgust. For spearmint, moderate intensity WS-3 slightly decreased positive emotions and slightly increased disgust. Results suggest that congruency has an impact on perceptual interactions involving cooling. Cooling congruent flavor intensity can be boosted using a cooling agent. It is important to use caution in product design, as liking and emotional profiles are influenced by cooling intensities. Even with a congruent flavor, there is an optimal cooling intensity level. KW - Food Science KW - Senses and sensation KW - Flavor--Research KW - Cooling--Research LA - eng ER -