Effects of flavored carbonated drinks on saliva and taste

Effect of Flavored, Carbonated Drinks on Salivary Flow, Salivary Composition, and Taste Perceptions

Not applicable Interventional PepsiCo Global R&D · NCT06933290

This study tests how flavored carbonated drinks affect saliva production and taste experiences compared to regular drinks like water.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment13 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorPepsiCo Global R&D Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Valhalla, New York)
Trial IDNCT06933290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how flavored, carbonated beverages influence salivary flow rate, saliva composition, and taste perceptions compared to control drinks like water and non-carbonated beverages. It aims to understand the role of carbonation and flavoring in stimulating saliva production and altering its properties, which may affect oral processing and taste experiences. Participants will consume different types of drinks while their salivary responses are measured and analyzed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-45 who regularly consume carbonated drinks.

Not a fit: Patients with oral health issues or conditions affecting taste and saliva production will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how beverage choices impact oral health and taste perception.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that beverage consumption can influence salivary responses, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject is male or female
* If female, subject is not pregnant or nursing (based on self-report)
* Subject is 18-45 years of age, inclusive
* Subject is a regular consumer of carbonated drinks (questionnaire)
* Subject is willing to avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to visits
* Subject is willing to fast (no food or gum) for 2 hours prior to study sessions
* Able to speak, write, and read English
* Provision of written consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject smokes, vapes, or uses any nicotine/tobacco products (or has quit for less than 6 months)
* Subject currently has or recently had an illness (cold, flu, COVID) within the past month
* Subject has a condition affecting the oral cavity such as Xerostomia (dry mouth), Sores/lesions, Untreated dental caries, Major dental implants/appliances (including dentures)
* Subject has a reduced sense of taste (dysgeusia) or smell (parosmia)
* Subject has a health condition that would interfere with the study as indicated on the general health questionnaire (GHQ) (including cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic diseases)
* Subject has participated in a clinical trial within the past 30 days
* Subject has participated in any PepsiCo trial within past 6 months
* Subject has a condition or is taking medication that the investigator believes would interfere with his/her ability to provide informed consent, comply with the study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the study results, or put the person at undue risk
* Subject is employed by, or has a parent, guardian, or other immediate family member employed by a company that manufactures any products that compete with any PepsiCo product. If subject is unsure if a company would be considered a competitor to PepsiCo, they will be asked to please let the study investigator know the name of the other company and the nature of their relationship to that company before they sign the informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Valhalla, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Taste PerceptionSaliva Productiontastesalivafood pairingsalivary proteinmucinsalivary flow rate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.