# Flavor Perception Studies Jeonbuk National University Explores Seasonings in Doenjang Soup By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-12-15 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doenjang-soup References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeonbuk-national-university-researchers-explore-the-impact-of-different-seasonings-on-the-flavor-perception-of-doenjang-soup-302640122.html)  A scientific study conducted at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea has investigated how various taste-enhancing additives alter the sensory experience of Doenjang Soup, a traditional soup based on [fermented soybean paste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ottogi-2). The research specifically focused on distinguishing between the established concept of umami, which describes a savory taste, and the more complex notion of kokumi, which encompasses sensations of thickness, richness, and a prolonged flavor profile. In the experiment, a group of over one hundred untrained participants evaluated Doenjang Soup amples containing different seasoning types, including [monosodium glutamate (MSG)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-the-msg-cocktail) and various nucleotide-based compounds. The analysis revealed that while MSG was found to intensify perceptions of both [umami and kokumi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavors-with-modulating-properties), the nucleotide seasonings primarily heightened only the umami characteristic. Thus, the researchers concluded that the presence of umami is a significant factor in shaping the overall kokumi experience. Image Credit: Jeonbuk National University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 56% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Kokumi-inspired Seasoning:** Exploring seasonings that enhance kokumi could lead to innovative culinary products that offer richer and more complex flavor profiles. - **Sensory-driven Food Design:** Understanding how additives affect flavor perception can drive the creation of foods that exploit sensory complexities, appealing to sophisticated palates. - **Umami and Nucleotide Integration:** The differentiation between umami and other flavor sensations like kokumi opens up a path for new seasoning blends that balance and elevate traditional tastes. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food Science and Research:** The increasing focus on sensory experience in food encourages further scientific studies on taste perception and the development of novel taste compounds. - **Culinary Arts and Gastronomy:** Chefs and culinary professionals can innovate by incorporating findings on flavor complexities, creating dishes that offer unique, multi-layered taste experiences. - **Seasoning Production:** Producers of seasonings have the opportunity to develop new products that cater to consumer desires for enriched flavor experiences beyond traditional profiles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Umami-Flavored Ingredient Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-dashi-day.md) - [Traditional Soy Sauce Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soy-sauce-alternative.md) - [Spicy Noodle Soups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mep.md) - [Flavor Enhancer Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umami-everything.md) - [Aromatic-Rich Miso Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roasted-garlic-miso-paste.md) - [Everyday MSG Seasonings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/msg-based-seasoning.md) - [African-Inspired Gourmet Seasoning Salts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-seasoning-salt.md) - [Compressed Seasoning Medallions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coin-broth.md) - [Umami Miso Food Flavorings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miso-flavor.md)