This article explores the science behind why food tastes different on airplanes. Experts explain that low humidity, dry air, and lower air pressure all impact our sense of smell and taste buds, leading to a muted perception of flavors.
Airplane food doesn’t have the best reputation. If you’ve ever sampled the in-flight meal options airlines offer, you wouldn’t be alone in finding the dishes rather bland or otherwise unappealing.
The higher altitude and lower air pressure can decrease your blood oxygen levels and dry out your nasal passages, hindering your olfactory receptors. Some compare the experience to eating when you have a cold.It’s not just the cabin air that affects your perception of how things taste. You can’t overlook the loud engines or turbulence either.“Noise and vibrations also have an effect,” Kelvin said.
“Surprisingly, airplane noise enhances taste of umami, hence why people seem to medicate on flights by choosing tomato juice or a Bloody Mary,” he said. “In economy, if the stewardess can say nothing more than ‘chicken or pasta,’ then right there, things will not taste as good,” Spence said.Beyond the low cabin pressure and dry air, factors like engine noise, travel stress and lack of social interaction can impact passengers' taste experience.Airlines are aware of the ways the flight environment can cause passengers’ taste buds to perceive flavors differently and therefore make certain foods and drinks seem more bland.
Because research has suggested that umami flavors are actually enhanced in the flight environment, some airplane meal developers have focused on adding umami notes to their food as well. “Providing noise-canceling headphones is a great start, as that will immediately make the food taste better,” he said. “Then once you have the headphones on, why not add some ‘sonic seasoning’ ― specific music tracks designed to add sweetness, or saltiness, or even bitterness to the food and drink.”Spence also suggested airlines give their dishes “sensory descriptive labels” and serve them in higher quality plates with better cutlery.
Airplane Food Taste Humidity Air Pressure Smell
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Advent calendar chocolate tastes different from the real thing — here’s whyChocoholics itching for their daily dose of bite-sized chocolate could be in for disappointment this December.
Read more »
Why You Should Put Your Phone on Airplane ModeA U.S. airline pilot explains why it's important to put your phone on airplane mode during flights.
Read more »
Airline Pilot Explains Why You Need Airplane ModeA U.S. airline pilot explains why it's important to turn on airplane mode while flying, highlighting the potential for phone interference with pilot headsets.
Read more »
Airplane Mode is Real: Pilot Explains Why It MattersA U.S. airline pilot explains on TikTok why it's important to put your phone on airplane mode during flights. While it won't make the plane crash, radio waves from phones can interfere with pilot headsets and communication.
Read more »
Why Can’t You Switch Seats in an Empty Airplane?Yes, the weight distribution on an aircraft really does affect how well it flies. Our physics guy explains.
Read more »
What thousands of pounds in food donations mean to the Wiregrass Area Food BankThousands of pounds of food are donated yearly for a worthy cause which means a lot to the food bank.
Read more »