Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have discovered a way to help picky eaters develop a taste for foods they previously found unappealing. For instance, if your children dislike a particular dish, simply changing the color of the plate it’s served on can make a difference. This applies not only to kids but also to adults who limit their diets or eat very little.
How a Plate Can Change the Taste of Food
The team conducted an experiment involving 47 volunteers, who varied in their levels of food selectiveness, including some who were indifferent to what was on their plates.
Researchers define picky eaters as those who follow strict diets, have strong aversions to certain foods, require specific preparation methods, struggle to try new foods, or exhibit all of the above traits.
Participants were offered potato chips served in red, blue, and white bowls. They were asked to rate the food based on desirability, saltiness, and flavor intensity, as well as to report how their taste perceptions changed depending on the bowl’s color.
Chips in red and blue bowls were perceived as saltier than those in white bowls. Meanwhile, chips in red bowls were considered less desirable than those in bowls of other colors. The color of the bowls did not affect the intensity of the flavor, according to ScienceAlert.
Are These Findings Really Important?
The researchers’ conclusions could be beneficial for those looking to diversify their diets, believes lead author Lorenzo Stafford.
For example, if you need to encourage a picky person to eat more vegetables they dislike, simply serving them on a plate of a certain color might do the trick.
According to Stafford, understanding that the color of the dishware can prompt individuals to try a wider variety of foods could significantly enhance their quality of life and that of those around them.
Picky eaters of all ages typically limit themselves to an average of 20 different foods, which can have negative consequences for their health. Poor nutrition can lead to nutrient deficiencies and various health issues, Stafford noted.
The team hopes that the color of dishware can help treat food neophobia—the reluctance to try new foods. However, further research will be necessary to explore a broader range of colors and types of foods.
For more information, visit sciencealert.com.