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Have you ever sat down to enjoy a hot latte, foamy teh tarik, or ice-cold MILO ais?
And you know that feeling. That first sip simply hits different and tastes like heaven.
But what comes after is… Not as great.
By the time you're halfway through the cup, it's still good, but it doesn't quite hit the same.
Turns out, it's not you. Researchers say there are several reasons why the first sip often feels the most satisfying.
So what is the "first sip effect"?
Before you even take that first sip, you've smelled the coffee, watched the teh tarik being pulled, or spent the last 20 minutes craving an iced MILO during a hot afternoon.
Long before the drink reaches your mouth, your brain is already anticipating the reward.
According to the University of Bristol, research suggests that part of the pleasure comes from anticipation itself. The expected reward heightens the eventual experience. That's why the first sip often feels like a payoff. After that, the anticipation disappears because you've already received the reward.
But here's the thing, your brain gets used to the flavour surprisingly quickly
Food scientists have a term called sensory-specific satiety, referring to how a food or drink tends to become less pleasurable the more you consume it.
According to a study conducted back in 1989, the "pleasantness" of the same food was found to decline within a mere two minutes.
It's not that the food or drink itself has changed much. Instead, your brain becomes less responsive to the same taste, smell, and texture after repeated exposure.
Other factors include temperature and novelty
Hot drinks like coffee and teh tarik are usually at their highest aroma when freshly served. The heat helps release flavour compounds into the air, making them easier for your nose to detect.
Cold drinks work in the opposite way. A MILO ice often feels most refreshing when it's at peak chill.
The first sip also benefits from novelty. From not having a drink, to finally having a drink, it represents a "new" experience. Humans are simply wired to pay attention to new experience, and those subsequent sips lack that novelty.
So, can you recreate the first-sip feeling?
Not completely. But there are a few ways to make your favourite drinks feel more satisfying:
1. Take smaller servings
A giant drink gives your brain more time to adapt to the flavour. Smaller portions can help preserve that sense of enjoyment for longer. It's one reason why a small cup of really good coffee can sometimes feel more satisfying than an oversized one.
2. Slow down between sips
If you gulp down a drink without thinking about it, your brain adapts more quickly. Taking short pauses between sips can help you stay aware of the flavours and aromas.
3. Mix things up
Ever wondered why dessert still sounds good even after a huge meal? That's because your brain gets used to one type of flavour at a time. Switching between different flavours or drinks can help keep things interesting.
4. Savour the first few sips
Food psychologists have found that much of the enjoyment from eating and drinking comes from the beginning of the experience. Instead of rushing through your drink, take a moment to appreciate those first few sips. They're often the most flavourful and satisfying part of the whole cup.
