Bigger isn't always better! Why mini festive foods taste better

"Small treats might prime the notion of sweets or rewards that we were given as a child and so be appreciated more as a result,"

"I suppose that we feel less guilty about individual small treats, even if in reality we may end up scoffing as much after we consume several small ones rather than a single big one."

"In terms of creating memorable taste experiences...having more "single shot" flavours is more rewarding than lots of the same flavour or texture,"

"In terms of mastication (chewing) behaviours, if the mini bite can all be fitted in your mouth at once then as you chew all the volatile rich aromas will get pushed out through the back of your nose,"

Small, individual portions evoke nostalgia and associations with childhood sweets, which increases appreciation. People tend to feel less guilty about single small treats, even though multiple mini items can equal the same total intake. Offering a range of miniature items delivers varied "single shot" flavors that create more rewarding and memorable taste experiences than repeating the same flavor or texture. Fitting a whole mini bite in the mouth concentrates volatile, aroma-rich compounds during chewing and pushes them through the back of the nose, intensifying perceived flavor. Convenience and ease of eating also suit party and sharing-plate scenarios.

Read at Mail Online