Eating Potato Salad Increases Oxytocin Secretion in Saliva!

Delia Foods Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chofu City, Tokyo; President: Narito Takenaka; hereinafter referred to as Delia Foods), in collaboration with Kewpie Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Mitsuru Takamiya; hereinafter referred to as Kewpie), verified the effect of eating potato salad on feelings of happiness. As a result, it was revealed that eating potato salad increases the secretion amount of oxytocin, known as the 'happiness hormone', in saliva. In particular, it was found that the secretion amount of oxytocin is high with potato salads that have a 'fluffy' and 'smooth' texture, which are elements that constitute deliciousness. *The results of this research were presented in a poster presentation at the 21st Spring Conference of the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering held from Monday, March 16 to Wednesday, March 18, 2026. ■ Purpose of this Research Potato salad, which has been loved at Japanese dining tables for many years, is believed to have the emotional value of 'providing a sense of relief when eaten' (according to internal research). However, the mechanism by which this sensation is generated had not been clarified. In this study, the effects of potato salad consumption and differences in texture on emotional and physiological responses were verified through objective evaluation using biological indicators and subjective evaluation. Specifically, the purpose was to measure the secretion amount of oxytocin*1 in saliva, known as the 'happiness hormone', and to clarify the impact of texture—an element constituting the deliciousness of potato salad—on feelings of happiness. *1 A happiness hormone secreted primarily when interacting with or touching people, also known as the love hormone. It works to bring a sense of peace and reduce stress. ■ Summary of Results In this study, regarding the amount of oxytocin secreted in saliva, comparisons were made before and after consuming potato salad, as well as comparisons between potato salads with different textures and steamed potatoes. As a result, the amount of oxytocin secreted in saliva after consuming potato salad was higher compared to normal times. Furthermore, it was revealed that in samples with a 'fluffy' and 'smooth' texture, the amount of oxytocin secretion in saliva was higher compared to 'chunky' and 'dry' textures. This indicates the possibility that the texture of potato salad is a factor that enhances feelings of happiness. ■ A Moment of 'Happiness' in Busy Everyday Life with Potato Salad Delia Foods upholds the vision of 'Delivering kindness to everyone'. Potato salad is one of those dishes that requires more time, effort, and love than imagined, from the preparation of ingredients to the finishing touches. That is why Delia Foods believes that incorporating it into the dining table in the form of prepared food is a form of 'kindness' to oneself and one's family that creates 'peace of mind' in a busy everyday life. This research suggested the possibility that eating potato salad promotes the secretion of oxytocin, called the 'happiness hormone'. In particular, the 'fluffy' and 'smooth' texture, which is the crystallization of technology that Delia Foods has continued to pursue for many years, deeply contributes to feelings of happiness. Through our proprietary technology that leverages the natural flavors of the ingredients, we will continue to deliver to everyday dining tables the flavor of potatoes that spreads with every bite, the gentle melting sensation in the mouth, and the warm happiness brought about by its 'deliciousness'. Delia Foods will continue to color dining tables with smiles and happiness through potato salads that everyone can enjoy every day. ■ Research Overview In this study, we verified the effects of potato salad consumption on oxytocin secretion and mood (subjective evaluation) among 16 adults who eat potato salad on a daily basis (at least once every 3 months). - Test 1: Verification of changes due to consumption Participants consumed commercially available potato salad, and we measured how oxytocin concentrations fluctuated compared to normal times*2. - Test 2: Comparison by differences in texture Participants consumed potato salads with different textures and steamed potatoes, and we compared the differences in the amount of oxytocin fluctuation*2 for each sample. Additionally, we measured mood changes using the Brief Mood Introspection Scale Japanese version (BMC-J), analyzing the eating effects of potato salad from both physiological and psychological aspects. *2 In the potato salad evaluation, after calculating the oxytocin secretion concentration per protein (pg/mg prot), the amount of fluctuation over 10 minutes during normal times and before/after sample consumption was determined. In the steamed potato evaluation, the oxytocin secretion concentration per saliva collection time (pg/min) was determined, and the amount of fluctuation over 10 minutes before and after sample consumption was calculated. Figure 1: Explanation of the test overview ■ Test 1: Kansei Evaluation by Potato Salad Consumption It was found that the amount of oxytocin fluctuation after consuming potato salad was significantly higher compared to normal times (Figure 2). In addition, in the mood evaluation (subjective evaluation) conducted on the same subjects before and after consuming potato salad, feelings of being 'glad', 'comfortable', and 'happy' significantly increased, while 'feeling anxious' significantly decreased compared to normal times...