The color of the serving plate or bowl affects the perception of the taste of the food, suggests a study from the UK published in the journal Food Quality and Preference.¹

Researchers from the Dept. of Psychology at University of Portsmouth in the UK enrolled 47 individuals to examine if color had any effect on food preferences. The study participants were assigned a questionnaire to measure Food Neophobia (FNS), which is the fear or reluctance of trying new food. Based on their responses they were categorized as picky or fussy eaters and non-picky eaters. They were asked to taste the same food item served in blue, red and white bowls.

Results showed that the color of the bowl affected the saltiness and desirability of the food in the picky eaters. The food served in the red and blue bowls was deemed saltier compared to the food in the white bowl. Food in red bowls rated the least on desirability. No such effects of the color of the bowls were observed among those who were not fussy eaters.

Sense of smell or olfaction and food texture are known to influence food choices or preferences. This study has attempted to decode fussy eating and shown for the first time the association between color of the bowl or plate in which food is served and perception of taste. It is often a struggle to get picky eaters to eat. The findings of this study possibly show a way out to deal with fussy eating.

Reference

1. Madison A, et al. How colour influences taste perception in adult picky eaters. Food Qual Prefer. 2023;105:104763.