Are You a Supertaster? Discover Your Taste Sensitivity

Have you ever found yourself intensely disliking certain vegetables, or feeling that some foods are overwhelmingly bitter compared to others? You might be a supertaster! Supertasters possess a heightened sense of taste due to a higher density of taste buds on their tongues. This can lead to a more intense experience of flavors, both pleasant and unpleasant. This article will guide you through understanding what a supertaster is, how to identify if you are one, and the implications of having a heightened sense of taste.

## What is a Supertaster?

The concept of “supertasters” was popularized by Dr. Linda Bartoshuk, a researcher at Yale University. Supertasters have an unusually high number of fungiform papillae on their tongues. Fungiform papillae are the small, mushroom-shaped structures that contain taste buds. The average person has around 10,000 taste buds, but supertasters can have significantly more, leading to a more intense perception of flavors.

Supertasters are more sensitive to bitter, sweet, and spicy tastes. They may find certain vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale, overwhelmingly bitter. They might also perceive sweetness as more intense, and be more sensitive to the burn of chili peppers.

Not everyone is a supertaster. Taste sensitivity exists on a spectrum: non-tasters, average tasters, and supertasters. Non-tasters have the fewest taste buds and experience flavors less intensely. Average tasters fall in the middle. The distribution of these groups varies, but it’s estimated that around 25% of the population are supertasters, 50% are average tasters, and 25% are non-tasters.

## Characteristics of Supertasters

While a formal diagnosis requires specific tests, there are some common characteristics and preferences that supertasters often exhibit:

* **Heightened Sensitivity to Bitterness:** This is the hallmark trait. Supertasters often dislike bitter foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dark chocolate, coffee, and grapefruit.
* **Preference for Sweeter Foods:** Because they are more sensitive to bitterness, supertasters may naturally gravitate towards sweeter foods to balance out the intense flavors.
* **Strong Reactions to Spicy Foods:** The capsaicin in chili peppers can be overwhelmingly intense for supertasters. They may find even mild spices too hot to handle.
* **Dislike of Fatty Foods:** Some studies suggest that supertasters may be more sensitive to the texture and taste of fats, leading to a dislike of fatty foods.
* **Picky Eating Habits:** Due to their heightened sensitivity, supertasters may be more selective about what they eat and have a narrower range of preferred foods.
* **Greater Appreciation for Texture:** The heightened sensory experience isn’t just limited to taste. Supertasters may also be more sensitive to the texture of foods.
* **Lower Body Weight:** Some research suggests a correlation between being a supertaster and having a lower body weight. This may be due to their aversion to fatty and sugary foods, or their lower tolerance for bitterness in many processed foods.

## How to Tell if You’re a Supertaster: At-Home Tests

While a definitive diagnosis of being a supertaster requires specialized testing, you can perform several simple tests at home to get an idea of your taste sensitivity.

### 1. The PROP Test (Propylthiouracil or 6-n-Propylthiouracil)

This is the most well-known and reliable at-home test for supertasting. PROP is a chemical compound that tastes very bitter to supertasters, slightly bitter to average tasters, and virtually tasteless to non-tasters.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* PROP test strips (available online or at some pharmacies).
* Water.
* A notepad and pen to record your observations.

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare:** Have a glass of water ready to cleanse your palate between tests.
2. **Taste the Strip:** Place a PROP test strip on your tongue.
3. **Assess the Bitterness:** Rate the bitterness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is no bitterness and 10 is extremely bitter.
4. **Record Your Results:** Write down your rating. A rating of 7 or higher suggests you are likely a supertaster. A rating of 4-6 suggests you are an average taster. A rating of 1-3 suggests you are likely a non-taster.
5. **Rinse and Repeat (Optional):** You can repeat the test with another strip to confirm your results. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water between each test.

**Important Note:** Some people cannot taste PROP at all due to a specific gene variant. If you cannot taste anything at all, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are a non-taster; it might mean you have this specific genetic variation. PTC (Phenylthiocarbamide) strips can be used as an alternative, as they test for a slightly different, but related, genetic trait.

### 2. The Blue Food Dye Test (Fungiform Papillae Count)

This test visually assesses the density of fungiform papillae on your tongue. It involves using blue food dye to stain the tongue, then counting the unstained papillae. Supertasters typically have a higher density of these papillae.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* Blue food coloring.
* Cotton swabs.
* A small magnifying glass (optional but helpful).
* Hole reinforcement stickers (like those used for loose-leaf paper).
* Water.
* A mirror.
* A well-lit area.
* A notepad and pen to record your observations.

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Your Tongue:** Gently dry your tongue with a clean paper towel.
2. **Apply Blue Food Coloring:** Use a cotton swab to evenly coat the front portion of your tongue (about an inch from the tip) with blue food coloring. This will stain the surface of your tongue, but the papillae will resist the stain.
3. **Rinse Your Mouth:** Rinse your mouth with water to remove any excess food coloring.
4. **Examine Your Tongue:** Look at your tongue in the mirror under good lighting. Use the magnifying glass to get a closer view.
5. **Apply the Hole Reinforcement Sticker:** Place a hole reinforcement sticker on the stained area of your tongue. This will define the area you’ll be counting.
6. **Count the Papillae:** Count the number of pink, unstained papillae within the circle defined by the hole reinforcement sticker. It can be helpful to take a picture with your phone and zoom in. If you don’t have the stickers you can use a ruler to define a small, measurable area (e.g., 1cm x 1cm).
7. **Record Your Results:** Write down the number of papillae you counted. A count of more than 30 papillae within the circle suggests you are likely a supertaster. A count of 15-30 suggests you are an average taster. A count of less than 15 suggests you are likely a non-taster.

**Important Notes:**

* The accuracy of this test depends on the even application of the dye and accurate counting. Take your time and be as precise as possible.
* The location where you apply the dye matters. Focus on the front edge of your tongue.
* Practice can improve accuracy. You might want to repeat this test a few times on different days.

### 3. The Coffee Test

This is a more subjective test, but it can provide clues based on your personal preferences and reactions to coffee.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* A cup of freshly brewed black coffee (without milk or sugar).
* Water.
* A notepad and pen to record your observations.

**Instructions:**

1. **Taste the Coffee:** Take a small sip of the black coffee.
2. **Assess the Bitterness:** How bitter do you find the coffee? Is it overwhelmingly bitter, mildly bitter, or barely bitter?
3. **Evaluate Your Enjoyment:** Do you enjoy the taste of black coffee? Or do you find it unpleasant and difficult to drink?
4. **Record Your Observations:** Write down your observations about the bitterness level and your overall enjoyment of the coffee.

**Interpreting the Results:**

* **Supertasters:** Supertasters often find black coffee extremely bitter and unpleasant. They may only be able to tolerate it with significant amounts of milk and sugar.
* **Average Tasters:** Average tasters may find black coffee somewhat bitter but can usually tolerate it without excessive additives.
* **Non-Tasters:** Non-tasters may find black coffee relatively mild and may even enjoy it without any additions.

**Important Notes:**

* This test is highly subjective and influenced by personal preferences and past experiences with coffee. It’s not a definitive test but can offer additional clues.
* Consider trying different types of coffee to see if your reactions vary. Some varieties are naturally less bitter than others.

### 4. The Vegetable Test

This test focuses on your reaction to specific vegetables known for their bitterness.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* Small portions of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale (cooked or raw).
* Water.
* A notepad and pen to record your observations.

**Instructions:**

1. **Taste Each Vegetable:** Taste a small portion of each vegetable separately.
2. **Assess the Bitterness:** How bitter do you find each vegetable? Rate the bitterness on a scale of 1 to 10.
3. **Evaluate Your Enjoyment:** Do you enjoy the taste of these vegetables? Or do you find them unpleasant?
4. **Record Your Observations:** Write down your observations about the bitterness level and your overall enjoyment of each vegetable.

**Interpreting the Results:**

* **Supertasters:** Supertasters often find these vegetables intensely bitter and may strongly dislike them.
* **Average Tasters:** Average tasters may find them somewhat bitter but can tolerate them, especially when cooked with seasonings or sauces.
* **Non-Tasters:** Non-tasters may find them relatively mild and may even enjoy them.

**Important Notes:**

* The preparation method (raw, cooked, seasoned) can significantly affect the bitterness of these vegetables. Try different preparations to see how your reactions vary.
* Personal preferences and past experiences with these vegetables can also influence your responses.

## Implications of Being a Supertaster

Knowing whether you are a supertaster can provide valuable insights into your dietary preferences, health, and overall well-being.

### Dietary Choices

* **Understanding Your Preferences:** Being aware of your heightened taste sensitivity can help you understand why you prefer certain foods and dislike others. This knowledge can empower you to make more informed and satisfying dietary choices.
* **Finding Alternatives:** If you dislike certain healthy foods due to their bitterness, you can explore alternative options that provide similar nutrients without the unpleasant taste. For example, if you dislike broccoli, you could try spinach or asparagus.
* **Cooking Strategies:** Knowing that you are sensitive to bitterness can guide your cooking strategies. You can use techniques like adding sweetness (a touch of honey or maple syrup), acidity (lemon juice or vinegar), or salt to balance out the bitterness in foods.

### Health Implications

* **Potential for Healthier Diet:** Some studies suggest that supertasters may be less likely to consume excessive amounts of sugary, fatty foods due to their sensitivity to these tastes. This could potentially lead to a healthier diet and lower risk of obesity.
* **Increased Vegetable Consumption:** While some supertasters dislike bitter vegetables, others may develop a taste for them over time. The key is to experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to find ways to make them palatable.
* **Personalized Nutrition:** Understanding your taste sensitivity can help you personalize your nutritional intake. You can tailor your diet to include foods that you enjoy and that provide the nutrients you need.

### Other Considerations

* **Medication Compliance:** Supertasters may find some medications particularly bitter, which can make it difficult to adhere to prescribed treatment plans. If you are a supertaster, it’s important to discuss any taste-related issues with your doctor or pharmacist to find solutions, such as alternative formulations or methods of administration.
* **Food Industry Applications:** The food industry is increasingly interested in understanding taste sensitivity to develop products that appeal to a wider range of consumers. Knowing the distribution of supertasters, average tasters, and non-tasters can help companies create foods that are more enjoyable for everyone.

## Conclusion

Determining whether you are a supertaster is a fascinating journey into the world of taste perception. By conducting the at-home tests described in this article, you can gain valuable insights into your own taste sensitivity and how it influences your dietary preferences and overall well-being. Whether you are a supertaster, an average taster, or a non-taster, understanding your unique taste profile can empower you to make more informed choices about the foods you eat and the lifestyle you lead. So, grab your PROP strips, blue food coloring, and a cup of coffee, and embark on your own taste adventure!