Another example of how consumer learning may be used in
marketing communication is illustrated by a study exploring the
expected refreshing properties of toothpastes as a function of color
[89]. The “refreshing look” of 20 commercial toothpastes of different
colors was rated by 72 American consumers. Results showed that
transparent blue toothpaste was expected to be the most refreshing
and off-white the least. One can speculate that transparent blue may
be associated with a toothpaste that participants had already
experienced as “refreshing”. Alternatively, it may be the most closely
associated with water and therefore to refreshing. This idea is
supported by the results of Guéguen [90] who showed that the
same beverage evaluated in four differently colored glasses (blue, red,
green and yellow) was perceived as most thirst-quenching when
evaluated in a clear blue glass.