Start Blaming It on the Music If You Are Overdoing Junk Food

Finally, foodies have an excuse for eating junk foods! Recently, scientists have found that louder ambient music in a restaurant makes people crave junk food such as cheeseburgers and fries instead of making healthier food choices. 

According to the research Journal of the Academy of Marketing Sciences, high volume music or louder environments is proven to directly impact the heart rate and arousal; it increases stimulation and stress, making diners choose junk food like cheeseburgers and fries. But, on the other hand, softer and slow music has an effect that calms people down making them more mindful of healthier food choices such as a salad. 

The study was conducted at a cafe in Sweden, where the researchers played music of different genres on loop at 55 and 70 decibels. Also, they coded the food items on the menu as healthy, non-healthy and neutral, which was for items like coffee or tea.

After over several hours study across multiple days, the scientists have found that 20% more restaurant patrons ordered something unhealthy when the music playing in the background was louder compared to the ones who were dining during a quieter or soft music time.

Compared to the other aspects of a restaurants ambiance that impacts on food sales, volume dictates more healthy vs non-healthy food choices.