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Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
09:17

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults

Published on: July 16, 2016

Sour taste preferences of children relate to preference for novel and intense stimuli

Djin Gie Liem1, Annemarie Westerbeek, Sascha Wolterink

  • 1Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen Taste & Smell Centre, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands. djin-gie.liem@wur.nl.

Chemical Senses
|October 7, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Many children prefer sour tastes, linked to seeking intense flavors and new experiences. This preference in children may influence trying novel foods and liking bright colors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Sensory Science
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Some children exhibit a preference for sour tastes, but the underlying reasons are not fully understood.
  • Potential origins include physiological differences or a general inclination towards intense and novel stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origins of sour taste preference in children.
  • To determine if sour preference relates to saliva properties, perceived intensity, or a broader seeking of intense stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-nine children (7-12 years) ranked preferences and perceived intensities of sour gelatins and brightness of yellow cards.
  • Saliva flow, buffering capacity, and willingness to try a novel candy were also measured.

Main Results:

  • 58% of children preferred the most sour gelatins.
  • Sour taste preference correlated with preference for bright colors and willingness to try novel foods.
  • Sour preference was not linked to perceived sour intensity but was associated with higher salivary flow.

Conclusions:

  • A significant portion of young children prefer intense sour tastes.
  • This preference is associated with a broader tendency to seek intense stimuli, including novel foods and bright colors.
  • Findings suggest implications for promoting sour-tasting, healthy foods like fruits to children.

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