What does preferring Savory or Sweet Foods Say about You?

Do you typically prefer a salty bowl of chips over a bag of sweet candy? Or do you prefer sweets over savory foods? Food preferences, specifically whether you prefer savory or sweet foods, not only reveal what we like to eat, but they can also give insights on our biology and personality traits.

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Evolutionary Influences on Food Preference

Along with many features of our biology as humans, taste has evolved over time. Our ancestors designated sweet flavors as a signal of energy-rich foods. Savory foods, on the other hand, indicated rich protein sources. Savory food lovers prioritize umami flavors, which are often found in foods like meats, cheeses, and fermented items. Savory preferences can reflect an innate appreciation for nutrient-dense foods (Revell, 2020), potentially leading to a preference for dishes like a hearty stew or a gourmet cheese platter over dessert.

Genetic Influences on Food Preference

Relating to evolutionary development for sweet or savory preferences in food, each individuals food preferences may stem directly from your parents genetics. A recent study conducted by the Cambridge University Press connected perception of sweetness as dependent of 75% of a commonly found genetic factor inherited by your parents (Hwang et al., 2015). A higher or lower perception of sweetness may affect if you are more or less drawn to sweetness. Someone who is very sensitive to sweet tastes may think certain foods are too sweet, for example, making them less inclined to eat sweet foods. Who knew your parents could determine which foods you like?

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There also seems to be a development between food preferences even before a human is born. In the womb, often the food that your mother eats has a higher chance of what you like to eat when you are a child through adulthood (Kaplan, 2015).

Another biological aspect that helps determine food preferences is the number of taste buds a person has. The range of taste buds a person can have ranges from 2,000-8,000 (Revell, 2020), with lower numbers indicating lower perception of taste and higher numbers correlating with higher perception of taste (Kaplan, 2015). People with the higher end of taste buds are considered "supertasters." Having more taste buds increases the supertasters perception of bitterness, but salty foods can help mitigate bitter sensitivity. Therefore, people who are supertasters often lean more towards salty foods.

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Personality Traits and Food Choices

Food preferences often correlate with personality traits. According to research from StudyFinds, individuals who enjoy sweet foods typically display higher levels of agreeableness and warmth (Melore, 2021). They may approach daily interactions with positivity and optimism, which makes them likable and easy to connect with.

Those who prefer savory options tend to be more adventurous and open-minded. The Latch reported that these individuals often seek out new experiences, whether it’s experimenting with spicy dishes or trying unique flavors like kimchi or curry (Revell, 2020). Such traits often extend beyond their food choices, leading savory-eaters to explore diverse hobbies or travel to unfamiliar destinations.

Key Takeaways

Recognizing what drives our cravings can offer a valuable perspective on your own biology and your personality, potentially allowing you to branch out to embrace new culinary adventures. Whether you're drawn to sweet delights like cakes or prefer the satiation of savory meals, appreciating these unique preferences can enhance your understanding of yourself and others around you.

References

1. Hwang, L.-D., Zhu, G., Breslin, P. A. S., Reed, D. R., Martin, N. G., & Wright, M. J. (2015). A Common Genetic Influence on Human Intensity Ratings of Sugars and High-Potency Sweeteners. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 18(4), 361–367. https://doi.org/10.1017/thg.2015.42

2. Kaplan, A. (2015, September 6). Why You Prefer Sweet or Salty Food | SiOWfa15: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy. https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/06/why-you-prefer-sweet-or-salty-food/

3. Melore, C. (2021, May 15). Sweet or savory? Your snack choice reveals a lot about your personality. Study Finds. https://studyfinds.org/sweet-savory-snack-personality/

4. Revell, J. (2020, December 22). The Science Behind Why Some of Us Love Sweet while Others Prefer Savoury. The Latch. https://thelatch.com.au/why-some-love-sweet-savoury/