The harder the food, the fewer perceived calories, according to a new study.
"We studied the link between how a food feels in your mouth and the amount we eat, the types of food we choose, and how many calories we think we are consuming," the team of researchers wrote in a statement.
The study measured estimated calorie intake by straightforward and then more psychological methods for a total of five experiments, Laboratory Equipment reported. For the former, researchers simply had participants try foods of different texture and guess the relative number of calories per sample.
In one of the trickier experiments, participants were provided brownie bits while watching a series of television ads (the cover story). Half were given the brownies without further mention, while the other half were asked to assess the calorie content of their snack. Both groups were also split between hard pieces and soft.
Those who were not asked about calories ate more of the soft brownies (because brownies are meant to be eaten soft). Those who were ate more of the hard brownies. Since people generally try to eat less when they're consciously thinking about calories, the results suggest that participants associated the hard texture with less overall intake. Thus -- even though there was actually no difference between the two -- subjects ate more of the snack they deemed would lead to less weight gain.
Being the principled scientists they are, the authors saw the implications of their study as a way to better educate people who may alter their diets based on a psychological effect rather than actual science.
"Understanding how the texture of food can influence calorie perceptions, food choice and consumption amount can help nudge consumers towards making healthier choices," the authors conclude.
Of course, the study could also be used by food companies hoping to artificially brandish a healthier image onto their product.
