The objective of this study was to determine the effect fat has on the
intensity of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami tastes in oil-in-water emulsions.
The first experiment used two levels of fat (9% and 17% in oil-in-water
emulsions) and two intensities of each taste (high and low). We compared the
taste intensities of these emulsions to the intensities of oil-free samples with
equal total volume, and to oilfree samples of the same aqueous taste compound
concentrations. Because of potential confision between taste intensity and
viscosity, we repeated the experiment, having panelists rate both thickness and
taste intensity. Diluting with oil, compared to diluting with water, decreased
bitterness, but increased the intensity of salty, sweet, sour and umami tastes.
When compared to samples with equal aqueous taste compound concentrations,
fat suppressed bitterness, but had no effect on the other tastes.