Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Food preferences refer to the individual's subjective likes and dislikes for specific types of food. They are influenced by a variety of factors including taste, smell, texture, cultural background, and personal experiences.
Gustation refers specifically to the sense of taste and plays a significant role in food preferences because it allows us to detect different flavors such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
Olfaction refers to the sense of smell and is closely tied to gustation. The combination of taste and smell greatly influences our overall perception of flavor and contributes to our food preferences.
Cultural Influences: Cultural influences play an important role in shaping our food preferences. Different cultures have unique cuisines that reflect their traditions, beliefs, and available resources. These cultural factors can significantly impact what foods we find appealing or unappealing.