How Music Can Influence the Taste of Your Coffee

For a lot of us, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a morning pick-me-up, an experience that enriches multiple senses. From the rich aroma of freshly ground beans to the warmth of a steaming cup in your hands, coffee stimulates the senses of taste, smell, touch, and sight. 

We’re very familiar with the power of music here at Startle, and we’re lucky to work with some of the best coffee shop brands who care deeply about their choice of tunes. But did you know that sound - specifically music - can also play a significant role in how your coffee tastes?

It can alter our sensory perception, influencing the way we experience flavours. 

Let’s look at the interesting relationship between coffee and music, and how your backing track might alter, or enhance, your cup of joe.

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The science behind sound and taste

You might wonder: How can something you hear affect how you taste? The answer lies in the concept of crossmodal perception - a phenomenon where different senses interact and influence one another. This concept is often discussed in the context of food and drink, and recent research shows that sound can impact how we perceive flavours.

Scientists have found that certain types of sounds or music can enhance specific taste notes, such as sweetness, bitterness, or acidity. High-pitched sounds, for example, tend to amplify sweetness, while lower tones can make bitter flavours more pronounced. The tempo, volume, and even the mood of the music you're listening to can create a multisensory experience that affects how your brain interprets taste.

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How different genres affect coffee tasting

Let’s dive into how various genres of music can influence your coffee-tasting experience:

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1. Classical: Elevating the sophistication

Classical music, with its intricate harmonies and compositions, has been found to enhance the perception of complexity in flavours. 

If you’re sipping on a single-origin Ethiopian coffee with floral and citrus notes, listening to a delicate piano track or a symphony might make those bright, nuanced flavours more prominent. 

The elegance of classical music seems to draw out the more refined, subtle characteristics of the coffee.

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2. Jazz: Enhancing depth and warmth

The smooth, improvisational rhythms of jazz pair wonderfully with darker roasts or espresso-based drinks.

The warmth and richness of a jazz saxophone or the earthy depth of a double bass can complement the bold flavours of a dark roast, bringing out the coffee's smoky, chocolatey undertones. 

Listening to jazz while drinking coffee can feel like a cosy, intimate experience, much like enjoying coffee in a dimly lit, bohemian café.

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3. Rock or Heavy Metal: Intensifying bitterness

Rock and heavy metal, with their driving beats and aggressive energy, tend to amplify bitterness and boldness in coffee.

If you’re into strong, full-bodied brews like French roast or espresso, rock music can enhance the robust, bitter flavours, making the coffee seem even more intense. 

This could be the perfect pairing for those who love a kick of caffeine and aren’t afraid of bold, bitter notes.

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4. Pop: Light and sweet

Pop music, with its catchy hooks and upbeat tempos, may make coffee taste sweeter and more enjoyable.

Think of sugary pop tunes while drinking a light roast or a flavoured coffee like vanilla or hazelnut. 

The feel-good vibes of pop music can make the experience of sipping a sweet, creamy latte or cappuccino even more delightful, turning your morning coffee into a cheerful ritual.

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5. Ambient: Smoothing the acidity

Ambient music, known for its atmospheric and soothing qualities, can mellow out the sharp, acidic notes in certain coffees, particularly lighter roasts.

If you find your coffee a bit too tangy or acidic, putting on some relaxing, downtempo music might help soften those flavours. 

It’s like wrapping your taste buds in a gentle, sonic hug that makes the acidity less jarring and more balanced.

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The role of tempo and volume

It’s not just the genre of music that matters - the tempo and volume can also play a role in how your coffee tastes.

• Slow tempo: Music with a slow tempo tends to make flavours feel richer and more full-bodied. This works well if you’re drinking a coffee with deep, complex notes, like a dark roast or a blend with chocolate and spice undertones.
• Fast tempo: Upbeat, fast-paced music can make coffee feel lighter and more refreshing. This might be the perfect pairing for a bright, fruity coffee or a cold brew on a hot day.
• Volume: The louder the music, the more it can exaggerate the intensity of the coffee’s flavours, whether bitter or sweet. Softer music, on the other hand, can allow more subtle flavours to shine through, especially in more nuanced or lightly roasted coffees.

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The intersection of music and coffee is a beautiful reminder of how our senses work together to create rich, immersive experiences. Just as music can evoke emotions, memories, and moods, it can also shape how we perceive flavours. So, the next time you pour yourself a cup of coffee, think about what you’re listening to—because it might just change how your coffee tastes.

Whether you’re a die-hard coffee connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a morning brew, adding music into the mix can make your coffee ritual even more enjoyable. So grab your favourite mug, turn up the tunes, and let your senses savour the harmony between sound and taste.