Trigeminal Stimulus Menthol Masks Bitter Off-Flavor of Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame-K

Buechner K, Haagen J, Sastrosubroto A, Kerpes R, Freiherr J, Becker T (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Foods MDPI

Book Volume: 11

Article Number: 2734

Journal Issue: 18

DOI: 10.3390/foods11182734

Abstract

Consumer health concerns and regulatory policies lead to a growing demand for sugar-sweetened beverage alternatives. A reduced energy content can be achieved using artificial sweeteners, which often also convey a metallic or bitter off-flavor. Therefore, the alteration of sweetness perception and masking of potential off-flavors are paramount for improving sweet beverages. Trigeminal stimuli, such as capsaicin (spicy) or menthol (cooling), have been used to influence taste perception in food items, although their use in beverages has not yet been systematically investigated. Here, the influence of menthol on sweetness perception in an aqueous solution is examined both on the sensory and psychophysiological level. The addition of menthol had no sensory effect on sweetness perception; however, psychophysiological measurements suggest a boost in the physiological response to cold perception through the addition of sugar. Moreover, menthol addition shifted the recognition threshold of unpleasant bitterness of the sweetener acesulfame-K from 21.35 to 36.93 mg/L, masking the off-flavor. These findings illuminate the complexity of trigeminal perception influences on taste. Further investigation of these effects can render trigeminal stimuli an effective tool to enhance beverage aroma and flavor.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jessica Freiherr Professur für Neurowissenschaften der sensorischen Wahrnehmung (Stiftungsprofessur)

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung (IVV) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Buechner, K., Haagen, J., Sastrosubroto, A., Kerpes, R., Freiherr, J., & Becker, T. (2022). Trigeminal Stimulus Menthol Masks Bitter Off-Flavor of Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame-K. Foods, 11(18). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods11182734

MLA:

Buechner, Kai, et al. "Trigeminal Stimulus Menthol Masks Bitter Off-Flavor of Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame-K." Foods 11.18 (2022).

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