Chocolate coats tongue to give melt-in-mouth sensation, study finds

Scientists say sensual discovery could be used to design low-fat product that mimics feel of high fat

The irresistible melt-in-the-mouth sensation of chocolate comes down to the way it lubricates the tongue, according to scientists.

A study investigated the physical process by which a solid square of chocolate morphs into a smooth emulsion. It found that chocolate released a fatty film that coats the tongue, giving a smooth sensation for the entire time it is in the mouth.