Tweaking Tastes and Creating Cravings
You should watch this clip about flavor scientists from 60 Minutes. The science behind creating flavors is fascinating (I created an artificial banana flavor in organic chem lab last week), and I can’t believe people actually hold jobs as Flavorists. However, what does it mean for consumers when flavors are actually being calculated to make people addicted to foods? Is it fair for a company to mix of ingredients that target your cravings just enough so it makes you running back for more?
I don’t like it. Of course we want things to taste good… there is much pleasure to be had in eating. When it comes to processed foods though, especially in the case of children, consumers often feel they taste BETTER than natural foods. It’s helpful to know that they likely feel this way because what they’re eating was scientifically (and artificially) designed to draw them in.
As humans, we are programed to crave fat, salt, and sugar… from natural foods, in specific quantities. The science behind food flavors messes with this innate ability and tricks consumers into eating more (much more) processed and unhealthy foods. And that sounds pretty unfair to me.
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karmakamilleon reblogged this from thehonestpalate and added:
im i eating? how...flavorists happy with
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foodietoo said:
The chicken in the tube really grossed me out! Soon there will be no ‘real food.’ Makes me think of the old t.v. cartoon, The Jetsons!
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epicureanerendira reblogged this from thehonestpalate and added:
Honor thy tastebuds
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jimicowan said:
Ugh. So gross. It’s always about the almighty $. God forbid we just eat whole, natural foods without chemical interference and altercation. We’ve even become lazy in how we “expect” our food to taste. Disgusting, pun intended.
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missmeggo reblogged this from thehonestpalate and added:
perception class....very eye-opening.
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thehonestpalate posted this
