Eye candy & eye tunes: Effects of liked vs. disliked music on desire to eat and food choice in an eye-tracking buffet paradigm

Music can evoke both positive and negative moods, which may, in turn, differently affect the processing of food cues. This preregistered eye-tracking study investigated whether self-selected liked versus disliked music affects desire to eat, visual attention to foods of varying sugar content, and subsequent food choice in a buffet-like context. A total of 106 participants (mean age = 25 years; mean body mass index = 22 kg/m²) viewed a buffet with high-sugar foods, low-sugar alternatives, and non-foods while eye movements were recorded. Participants were randomly assigned to a liked music, disliked music, or no music condition. Self-reported desire to eat and food choice were assessed. Disliked music decreased general desire to eat but increased the specific desire to eat high-sugar food. Furthermore, it increased the likelihood of selecting high-sugar foods from the buffet. Liked music and no music were associated with a preference for low-sugar foods. Music did not significantly influence visual attention. Participants consistently looked longer at food than non-food items regardless of their music condition. These findings suggest that music can bias food-related decision-making independently of attentional processes: liked music may encourage healthier choices, whereas disliked music increases susceptibility to high-sugar comfort foods despite reduced general appetite. The results highlight the potential of music as a subtle, non-caloric intervention for promoting low-sugar eating behaviour. They also point towards risks of being exposed to disliked music in contexts in which food decisions are being made like in restaurants or supermarkets.