Improved taste modifiers including nanoscale particles are disclosed. Preferred taste modifiers are inorganic or organic compounds having an average particle size of less than about 500 nm. Nanoscale particles of sodium chloride, for example, which can be stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric particles, can be used to enhance the flavor of foods and beverages as well as in other applications such as in ionic contrast media. Other applications for nanoscale particles include use in saline solutions for contact lenses, sterile solutions, intravenous (IV) solutions, or solutions for use by patients suffering from hypertension or diabetes. The nanoscale particles can be free-standing (unsupported) or supported on support particles such as particles of sodium chloride or particles of calcium carbonate.