Expectations shape how much people enjoy beverages containing sugar or artificial sweetener differently. (IMAGE)

Society for Neuroscience

Expectations shape how much people enjoy beverages containing sugar or artificial sweetener differently.

Caption

A: Participants found sugar to be less pleasant when they were expecting sweetener, and they found sweetener to be more pleasant when they were expecting sugar. B: When participants received sweetener after expecting sugar, this expectation led to greater midbrain activation compared to when they knowingly received sweetener.

Credit

Mainetto et al., 2026

Usage Restrictions

May reuse with credit.

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.