Abstract: This invention relates to processes and compositions found useful for potentiating the taste of sodium chloride in humans. It has been found that the taste of sodium chloride can be enhanced in the human mouth by combining therewith, or with foods or beverages containing same, small quantities of cationic surfactants comprised of certain quaternary ammonium salts. A preferred sodium chloride taste enhancing surfactant is cetyl pyridinium chloride.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electrogustograph for detecting the physiological responses of the tongue to various tastants applied thereto through a small vacuum sensor. The small sensor has a peripheral annual vacuum port by which the sensor is attached to the top surface of the tongue. The annular vacuum port surrounds a cavity which has one port for insertion of the tastant which flows across the surface of a portion of the tongue to a second port which serves as an outlet for the tastant. Electrodes are present in the sensor and on the cheek of the person being tested so as to measure the difference in the flow of electricity across the top surface of the tongue when various tastants are applied to the tongue. The electrogustograph is supported by suitable electronics and fluid flow pumps and valves all under the control of a microcontroller to provide a flexible and relatively easy to use electrogustographic system.