Book 9, Question 46
Why Can the Color of a Plate Change How Food Tastes?
The color of a plate can change how food tastes because color sets your expectations! In one study, the same dessert tasted sweeter on a white plate than on a black plate. Your brain mixes sight with flavor.
More fun facts
- For years, scientists have studied how a food's color and look change how we think it tastes.
- Changing the color of foods like cheese and soft drinks can trick people into tasting things that are not there.
- In one study, people whose plates matched the color of their food served themselves much more.
- The weight, color and shape of forks and spoons can change how food seems to taste.
- In a simple test, drinks that differ only in color can still taste different to people.
Sources: Scientific American, Scientific American, Scientific American, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
How can I test this?
Add a drop of food coloring to some cups of the same drink and ask friends which tastes best.