Type of test-meal affects palatability and eating style in humans.

Effects of palatability on the meal as a whole or the microstructure of meals are often inconsistent or even divergent. Is this attributable to the nature of the test meals? In the present study, three frequently used types of meals were offered to seven normal-weight women: conventional courses, sandwiches and semi-liquid items. Each meal was composed of four items of either high or medium-low palatability. The type of meal appeared to be the major factor determining the level of palatability and of every dependent variable. Energy intake was influenced by palatability level in conventional meals only. The microstructure of meals was responsive to palatability only in sandwich and semi-liquid meals. The data suggest that palatability effects are detectable beyond a minimum threshold. In addition, characteristics of eating style appeared to be very stable within individuals across meal types and palatability conditions.