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This study aims to determine the threshold of salt taste recognition and to evaluate differences by sex, age and body mass index (BMI) among a sample of Moroccan population.

A simple-blind experimental study was conducted among 201 healthy subjects to determine the threshold of salt taste recognition and to evaluate differences by sex, age and BMI among a sample of Moroccan population. The threshold of salt taste recognition was determined based on the validated the three alternatives forced choice method. A total of 11 prepared solutions of sodium chloride at different concentrations ranging from 0–500 mmol/L were used.

The average of the total population was 14.6 ± 10.9 mmol/L. And, 84% of the total population recognized the salt taste at the concentration of 15 mmol/L. Women participants detected the salt taste at a lower rate (53% versus 38% at 8 mmol/L, p = 0.02, in women and men, respectively). The mean values of the threshold among women was significantly lower (12.6 ± 8.1 mmol/L) compared to men (16.7 ± 12.8 mmol/L), p < 0.001. No statistical difference was obtained among either age groups or BMI categories.

The present study showed that the average threshold of salt taste recognition is high, and that it is even higher in men compared to women. At a community level, a progressive reduction of salt in food items is recommended.

Sugar consumption in Morocco is high, which is involved in triggering serious health conditions. Hence, assessing the recognition threshold of sweet taste among Moroccans is strongly needed. This study aims to determine the threshold of sweet taste recognition and to evaluate differences by sex, age and body mass index among a sample of Moroccan population.

This single-blind trial was conducted among 199 healthy participants to determine the sweet taste. Age and anthropometric characteristics were registered. Nine sucrose solutions of the following concentrations (0; 0.111; 0.333; 1; 3; 9; 27; 81; 243 mmol/L) were prepared. Sweet taste perception thresholds were determined based on the validated 3-alternative forced choice test method.

The average age of the sample population was 21.5 ± 26.1. And more than half (51.7%) detected the taste at the concentration of 9 mmol/L, while 91.9% recognized it at a concentration of 27 mmol/L. In terms of sex, the recognition of taste was not different between females and males (p > 0.05). The mean values of the threshold among women were significantly lower (20 ± 20.8 mmol/L) compared to men (23.9 ± 33.2 mmol/L). The age group 49–59 years old had the lowest threshold with a mean of 13.4 ± 10.2 mmol/L, and the groups with BMI in the overweight category had mean of 16.9 ± 18.2 mmol/L. However, no statistical difference was observed among either age groups or BMI categories.

The sweet recognition threshold among the studied population is high. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to educate the population about the necessity of a progressive reduction of sugar in food items to combat non-communicable disorders.