Sounds delicious: Japan snack makers toy with senses beyond taste

Research shows certain tempos and pitches can affect the flavor of food

20250220N Hoshifuri Ramune

Kanro's Hoshifuri Ramune involves transferring candies from a bag into a dedicated bottle so consumers can enjoy the sound. (Kanro)

YOHEI KAWAI

TOKYO -- Japanese food manufacturers like Morinaga & Co. are exploring ways to use senses other than taste -- especially hearing -- in their products, looking to provide consumers with new experiential value.

On Dec. 24, Morinaga held a Christmas concert in Tokyo's Akasaka district that combined live music with tastings. Participants drank a grape jelly drink made by the company while listening to "Jingle Bells" played on violin, cello and piano.

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