Coffee

Legitimately Makes Life Sweeter

As many of y’all know I have a lot of love for coffee.  It’s probably the caffeine that makes me so happy, but what’s even more awesome is that a new study from Denmark found that drinking coffee makes people more sensitive to sweet flavors and less sensitive to bitter flavors.  The study, led by researchers at Aurhus University, looked at the immediate effects of coffee consumption on olfactory and gustatory sensitivity of 156 participants.  Researchers quickly realized that olfactory (sense of smell) perceptions didn’t change, but gustatory (sense of taste) did.  Participants in the study didn’t see any changes in their perceptions of sourness or saltiness, but it was clear they became more sensitive to sweetness and less sensitive to bitterness after drinking coffee.  So you see – coffee literally makes life sweeter!

Up-and-Comers

Plant Proteins

Today, there is a lot of focus on new sources of protein – particularly from plants. This trend is likely here to stay, as some researchers are saying that traditional proteins like soy, wheat, and rice will one day be replaced with new options like pea, canola, oat, and chickpea.  This is all a conclusion by Lux Research, who shared their findings in their Plant Proteins: Present & Future report.  When you combine plant sources that are affordable, accessible, and abundant with technology innovation – who knows what tasty snacks and drinks will come our way?  Have you tried Yes Peas from Popchips?  Simple ingredients, whole peas, hint of oil and seasoning – all I can say is… Yes Peas!

Yours Truly,

Tracie T.