7 Ways to Make Things Taste Better (with Zero Extra Effort)

This one's for the dessert lover who seeks maximum sweetness without the extra calories. Food can seem sweeter or richer than it really is, thanks to "cross-modal" associations we make about the shape, size and color of its serving ware. For instance, eat off round-shaped dishes: Curves increase sweetness sensitivity, perhaps due to a feeling of comfort or "cognitive ease," found a Chinese study. Overall, go for light colors; diners thought that strawberry mousse and pink yogurt that arrived on black plates tasted a tad bitter in comparison (dark plates may draw attention to stronger, bitter flavors). And for the ultimate indulgence—hot cocoa—use a dark-cream-colored cup. It tasted sweeter when served in that raw-sugar-cane shade than in any other color.