New song has been crafted to enhance the pleasure of consuming chocolate. Dr Natalie Hyacinth, a composer, sound expert and academic at the University of Bristol, has composed a track named ‘Sweetest Melody’ to make the experience of eating chocolate more enjoyable.
The song was designed around musical qualities known to influence flavour including pitch, speed and musical key. Dr Hyacinth reviewed 60 years of scientific research to uncover how areas of the brain can cross over through a phenomenon called ‘multisensory integration’. According to the research, this ‘multisensory integration’ is especially strong when eating sweet foods such as chocolate or fruit while listening to music.
Her research revealed that melodious, smooth music in a major key enhances the sensations of sweetness and silkiness, whereas sharper sounds highlight bitter or sour flavours. High tempo beats were found to complement fast foods best.
The original composition, which can be found on YouTube and Spotify, lasts just over a minute – reflecting the same duration it takes for a piece of chocolate to melt in the mouth, approximately 64–90 seconds.
The song, commissioned by Galaxy Chocolate, runs at a leisurely 78 bpm, a rhythm selected to accentuate creaminess. The melody is carried by the piano, while the harp and strings contribute smooth, flowing textures to mimic the sensation of chocolate itself.
Dr Hyacinth said: “This initiative shows how enjoying chocolate can be a multisensory experience that goes beyond taste to engage all senses. The power of music to enhance our enjoyment of chocolate is a thrilling prospect.”
The track’s launch follows a survey of 2,000 Britons which revealed 37 per cent claim their preferred method of indulging in ‘me time’ involves a sweet treat. Meanwhile, 56 per cent also turn to music for relaxation.
Six in 10 Gen Z individuals favour scrolling through social media, whilst five in 10 Millennials and Gen X generations opt for reading a book.
‘Me time’ helps people feel relaxed, less stressed, and happier. However, according to the study, many find it challenging to fully embrace their ‘me time’.
On average, Britons only experience four-and-a-half days of genuine ‘me time’ annually, with over half expressing a desire for more personal time.
Romi Mackiewicz, brand director at Galaxy, said: “By inviting the public to explore how music can refine their chocolate experience, we’re not only offering a delicious treat, but a symphony for the senses.
“We want people to make the most of their ‘me time’ and listening to our track for just 64 seconds a day could give them an extra two hours of ‘me time’ a year.”
