In September 2011, a study appeared in the journal Appetite reporting that texture, not flavor, best predicted the level of satiation that subjects expected from certain dairy products. In three separate experiments, the researchers wrote, product samples with the thicker texture — whether yogurt, custard or chocolate milk — rated higher for expected satiation than thinner ones.

Two years ago on a wintry morning, my eldest son, then in fourth grade, woke up early and asked if I would make him pancakes. This was music to my ears so I did not even think twice about using the only box of pancake mix in the house: a sample of a new high-fiber product. Following the box directions, I made about two servings, figuring I would join him for a warm breakfast.