' Popular science at its best'
- Daniel Levitin A ground-breaking book by the world-leading expert in sensory science Freakonomics for food Why are 27 of drinks bought on aeroplanes tomato juice? What's the effect of serving food on plates that are small or red or circular? Why do we consume 35 more food when eating with one more person & 75 more when with three? This is just a small taste of "gastrophysics" the new field of knowledge pioneered by Professor Charles Spence that combines disciplines including science neuroscience psychology & design Using his two decades of research into the extraordinary connections between our senses he shows how we can create more tasty exciting healthy & memorable eating experiences Above all to get the most out of every meal we need to think about not only what's in the mouth but also what's in the mind In his first trade book Spence explores each sense & the different kinds of meals we have to show dozens of ways that "off-the-plate" elements affect our eating experiences the weight of the cutlery the placing on the plate the background music & more He reveals based on his own work how food companies & the world's top restaurants create cutting-edge technologies to do this & how this is likely to transform the way we eat in the future Whether you are at home or in a restaurant eating alone or with friends Gastrophysics uncovers the hidden ingredients available to us all that can change the way we eat -- & the way we live