Expectations of satiation are beliefs about the extent to which food is expected to deliver fullness and expectation of satiety relates to the extent to which food is expected to give respite from hunger and to inhibit further eating. In recent years they have increasingly been investigated because of the interest in how they can modulate energy intake. The present paper reviews the body of research into concepts underlying these expectations, measurement methods and the factors influencing their perception, with special focus on the sensory features and composition of foods. Food science and technology can provide tools and knowledge to aid in designing food with enhanced expectations of satiation and satiety.