The influence of bite size and multiple bites on oral texture sensations

The influence of bite size on sensory mouthfeel and afterfeel sensations was explored in two studies in which single bites of vanilla custard desserts were varied from 2 to 11 mL (study 1) and in which series of five bites of two different custard desserts were presented consecutively (study 2). In single bites, sensations of perceived creaminess were enhanced with size whereas sensations of astringency and temperature were suppressed. Bite size also affected perceived thickness, but the direction of the effects varied with custard desserts. With multiple bites, creaminess sensations continued to increase, whereas other sensations were unaffected. Switching to a second series of bites of another vanilla custard dessert showed larger sensory effects, especially on astringency sensations but also to a lesser extent on sensations of thickness and fatty afterfeel. Single and multiple bite results are discussed in terms of possible peripheral mechanisms. Switching results are discussed in terms of possible central sensory contrast mechanisms.