Research paper
Rolls BJ, Rowe EA, Rolls ET, Kingston B, Megson A, Gunary R. Variety in a meal enhances food intake in man. Physiol Behav. 1981 Feb;26(2):215-221. doi:10.1016/0031-9384(81)90014-7
Why we cite it
Seminal paper establishing that food variety within a meal enhances total intake through sensory-specific satiety — the declining pleasantness of a food as it is eaten, while other foods remain pleasant. Critically, Experiment 3 shows variety must differ across multiple sensory dimensions (taste, color, texture) to enhance intake; taste differences alone are insufficient. This underpins the project's understanding of why buffets, multi-course meals, and mixed snack packs lead to overconsumption.