A fresh tune has been crafted to heighten the joy of indulging in chocolate. Dr. Natalie Hyacinth, a composer and sound expert from the University of Bristol, has designed a track called ‘Sweetest Melody’ specifically to elevate the experience of savoring chocolate. The composition was meticulously structured around musical elements known to impact flavor perception, including pitch, tempo, and musical key.
Dr. Hyacinth delved into six decades of scientific studies to reveal how the brain can intertwine different senses through a phenomenon referred to as ‘multisensory integration’. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when consuming sweet delicacies like chocolate or fruits while simultaneously listening to music.
Her findings indicated that melodic and smooth music in a major key enhances the perception of sweetness and smoothness, while sharper sounds can accentuate bitter or sour notes. Moreover, high-tempo beats were identified to complement fast-paced foods.
This original composition, accessible on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, lasts just over a minute, mirroring the time it typically takes for a piece of chocolate to melt in one’s mouth, approximately 64–90 seconds.
Commissioned by Galaxy Chocolate, the track operates at 78 beats per minute (bpm), a deliberate choice to emphasize creaminess. The melody is carried by a piano, while the addition of harp and strings creates a smooth and flowing texture reminiscent of the experience of chocolate itself.
Dr. Hyacinth expressed, “This project exemplifies how enjoying chocolate can engage all senses, transcending mere taste to become a multisensory encounter. The potential of music to heighten our enjoyment of chocolate is truly exciting.”
The release of the track follows a survey of 2,000 individuals in the UK, revealing that 37% prefer to unwind with a sweet treat as part of their ‘me time’, while 56% turn to music for relaxation.
A significant portion of Generation Z opts for social media browsing during ‘me time’, contrasted with Millennials and Generation X who often choose reading as their relaxation activity.
Despite the known benefits of ‘me time’, many struggle to fully embrace it due to various barriers such as busy households, time constraints, guilt, anxiety, or loneliness. On average, Britons only manage to secure around four-and-a-half days of genuine ‘me time’ annually, with more than half expressing a desire for additional personal time.
Romi Mackiewicz, the brand director at Galaxy, remarked, “By encouraging the public to explore how music can enrich their chocolate experience, we are not just providing a delectable treat but a symphony of sensations.”
“We aim for individuals to maximize their ‘me time’, and by listening to our track for just 64 seconds daily, they could potentially gain an extra two hours of personal time per year.”
