The weight of the container influences expected satiety, perceived density, and subsequent expected fullness

We report a study designed to investigate the influence of the weight of the container on expected satiety prior to tasting the food within and on the perceived density of the food and any feelings of fullness expected to follow consumption (expected satiation). The results demonstrate that the contents of a heavier container are expected to be more satiating than when exactly the same contents are presented in a visually-identical, but physically lighter, container (even before the food has been tasted). In addition, we were able to validate a “weight-density” illusion, since the weight of the container was shown to influence the perceived density of the sample. Put simply, the heavier the container, the denser the food sample was perceived to be.

► People expect food from a heavier container to be more satiating than that from a lighter one.
► The weight of the bowl affected expected satiety before and after tasting the food.
► The perceived density of the food was also influenced by the weight of the container.
► These findings are consistent with the existence of a “weight-density” illusion.