The liking for sweet tastes is a hallmark of development evident among children around the world [42]. Although research has demonstrated repeatedly that children prefer higher levels of sweet tastes than do adults, individuals differ in their preferred intensity of sweetness and how sweets make them feel [5]. The present study reveals for the first time that in pediatric populations the co-occurrence of having a family history of alcoholism and self-reports of depressive symptomatology is associated significantly with preference for stronger sweet solutions, while depressive symptomatology alone is associated with greater liking for sweet-tasting foods and candies. On average, FHP/PDEP children preferred 0.70 M sucrose, equivalent to ∼57 g sugar in 230 ml water; a typical cola has a 0.34 M sugar concentration.
