Effect of race on perception of fat alone and in combination with sugar.

Two studies were performed to assess the perception of sugar-fat combinations and fat emulsions in African-American and white subjects. In the first study, African-American children aged 9-15 years were found to prefer higher concentrations of sweetness in liquid dairy products varying in fat content than white children. No significant differences in preference for the four fat levels were found. These data are consistent with a previous study by Desor et al. (2) that suggested African-American youngsters aged 9-15 preferred greater sweetness in water solutions. In a second study, thresholds and preferences for corn oil and butterfat in emulsions were determined for young adults. No significant differences between African-American and white young adults were found.