Why do people prefer different foods?

One person loves a plate of macaroni or pancakes. Another goes crazy for stew and blue cheese. Why is that?

Lots of spice

Your taste preferences are partly influenced by your genetics. Some people have very sensitive tastebuds on their tongue, giving them a heightened sense of taste. They usually don’t like strong flavours – they tend to add extra milk or sugar to their coffee to make it less bitter.

Other people are less sensitive to taste and will add lots of pepper to stews or spice like sambal to stir-fries.

Less happy memories

Your food preferences are also shaped by habit and upbringing. If you grew up eating a regular diet of meat and vegetables, you’re likely to prefer that food later in life. On the other hand, if you were raised on spicy Indian food, you’llprobably lean more towards that. That’s because your tastebuds are used to strong spices. And while many of us flinch at the thought of eating insects, people in Asia, Africa and Latin America will happily tuck into a caterpillar, ant or grasshopper.

It’s easy to imagine that some dishes evoke happy and less happy memories. If you grew up eating home-grown beans three times a week – and had to pick them yourself – they’re unlikely to be a big part of your diet later in life.

Tastes differ

And then there’s age. Children love sweet foods. Their tastebuds also tend to be more sensitive than adult tastebuds. That’s why many children dislike the bitter flavour of dark chocolate, tea without sugar and sprouts.

Your taste preferences are a mix of all these factors. No wonder tastes differ!

Beantwoord door Judith Neimeijer