A sound expert from the University of Bristol has created the new track titled ‘Sweetest Melody’ to enhance the chocolate eating experience
A new song has been created to make eating chocolate even more enjoyable. Dr Natalie Hyacinth a composer, sound expert and academic at the University of Bristol has created the track titled ‘Sweetest Melody’ to enhance the chocolate eating experience. The track was developed around the musical qualities proven to affect flavour, 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’. This ‘multisensory integration’ is especially strong when eating sweet foods such as chocolate or fruit while listening to music.
Her research showed melodic smooth music in a major key enhances sweetness and silkiness, while sharper sounds bring out bitter or sour flavours. High tempo beats were found to pair best with fast foods.
The original composition, available on YouTube and Spotify, is just over a minute long, mirroring the same amount of time it takes for a piece of chocolate to melt in the mouth – approximately 64–90 seconds.
The song which was commissioned by Galaxy Chocolate runs at 78 bpm, a slower rhythm chosen to emphasise creaminess. Piano carries the melody while harp and strings add smooth, flowing textures to mirror the feel 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 release comes after a poll of 2,000 Brits found 37 per cent claim their favourite way to indulge in ‘me time’ is with a sweet treat. Meanwhile 56 per cent also listen to music to relax.
Six in 10 Gen Z prefer to scroll social media, while five in 10 Millennials and Gen X reach for a book.
‘Me time’ also helps people feel relaxed and less stressed, refreshed and happier. Yet according to the research many struggle to enjoy their ‘me time’ fully, citing busy households, lack of time, guilt and even anxiety or loneliness as key barriers.
On average, Brits only get four-and-a-half days of true ‘me time’ a year, with over half wishing they had more time to themselves.
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.”
TOP 10 ‘ME TIME’ MOMENTS:
- Watching TV/Streaming Services
- Listening to music
- Reading a book
- Going for a walk or spending time in nature
- Enjoying a drink (alcoholic or not)
- Having a nap
- Enjoying your favourite chocolate
- Scrolling on social media
- Catching up with friends
- Gardening