#612: Does Sweet Taste Exposure Actually Develop Preference? – Prof. Katherine Appleton

#612: Does Sweet Taste Exposure Actually Develop Preference? – Prof. Katherine Appleton

Author: Danny Lennon July 7, 2026 Duration: 38:59

A common idea is that repeated exposure to sweet taste strengthens our preference for sweetness, which then drives greater intake of sweet foods and drinks. This idea is often used in arguments about fruit, low-calorie sweeteners, diet drinks, and the supposed need to "reset" taste preferences by avoiding sweetness altogether.

But does the evidence actually support that causal chain?

In this episode, Prof. Katherine Appleton, Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University, discusses what is known about sweet taste exposure, sweet preference, and how these concepts are measured in the scientific literature.

Timestamps:

  • [04:23] Interview starts
  • [07:35] Sweetness terms explained
  • [10:17] Sweet liker phenotypes
  • [14:03] Liking vs wanting vs preference
  • [19:18] Trial evidence overview
  • [23:48] Policy and practical impact
  • [30:41] Why we eat foods

Links:


Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sigma Nutrition Radio
Podcast Episodes
#619: How Much Fish Should a Healthy Diet Contain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
Most dietary guidelines recommend eating one to two servings of fish per week, often specifying that at least one serving should be oily fish. But how directly is that recommendation supported by evidence? And does addin…
Fiber: Independent Benefits or Just a Proxy for Healthy Foods? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:00
This episode answers one of the questions raised in the most recent Q&A episode on Sigma Nutrition Premium. The full episode includes the following questions: Fiber: Independent effect or proxy for healthy foods? Exposur…
SNP51: Understanding Blood Glucose Reponses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:26
This is a Premium-exclusive episode. Go to the Premium feed to listen. Or subscribe to Premium. Blood glucose is easy to measure, but not always easy to interpret. This Premium-only episode brings together insights from…