Distinct neural ensembles in the rat gustatory cortex encode salt and water tastes

•  In the primary taste cortex, two populations of neurons have been identified whose activity either correlates or anticorrelates with tastant concentration. •  The relative contribution of each population to signalling the perceived intensity of taste is unknown. •  To resolve this issue, we recorded activity from neurons in primary taste cortex while rats made choices that depended on NaCl concentration cues to obtain water reward. •  Two neural ensemble's neural activity anticorrelated with NaCl concentration, but differed according to their response to water as one ensemble tracked the solution's osmotic pressure. •  A third neural ensemble's activity was correlated with NaCl concentration and had the strongest relationship to the rat's choices, suggesting a central role in signalling the perceived intensity of NaCl solutions. •  A fourth neural ensemble responded only to water, but some of these neurons were influenced by behavioural context because they responded differently to water presented as a cue versus reward.