Variability of Taste Perceptiona

SUMMARY High inter-personal variability has been noted in the taste qualities people report for solutions of sodium benzoate. This study sought to determine whether such variability occurs with other substances and to assess the role of learning in development of the response. 24 S's replicated ratings of the intensity of sweet, salt, sour, and bitter in solutions representing 3 concentrations each of 4 familiar and 4 unfamiliar substances. Significant interpersonal variability was found for all substances. It' was lower for the familiar substances (sucrose, salt, citric acid, and caffein) than for the unfamiliar ones (sodium benzoate, monosodium glutamate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, and a “model” solution). Thus, learning appears to be important.