This paper is a review of specialist literature dealing with the influence of various food components including emulsions (two-phase systems) on the release of sensory active volatile and non volatile compounds and their availability to olfactory and gustatory receptors. This availability depends on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of volatile compounds, as well as on the level, structure and property of fats, polysaccharides and proteins in food matrix. Lipids influence the quality, quantity and temporal perception of the volatiles and non-volatiles; they modify the food aroma and the flavour perception. Polysaccharides bind the sensory active components and form inclusion complexes with them, thus, they reduce their headspace. There are two different types of interaction between the compounds and protein: a reversible physical adsorption owing to the ‘van der Waals’ forces and chemical reactions through covalent or electrostatic linkages. Although many studies have been made on the interaction of the volatile and nonvolatile sensory compounds with food matrix many important fine points still remain in the sphere of hypotheses.