Color may influence the way food tastes for picky (挑剔的) eaters, according to a new study published in the journal Food Quality and Preference.
Stafford's research team did an experiment with about 50 participants, who were mostly young adults around 20 years old. The study divided the individuals into picky and non-picky eaters, based on their responses to a certain measure. Both groups then tasted the same snacks served in red, white and blue bowls.
The results showed the color of the bowls influenced how the picky group perceived (感知) the saltiness and desirability of the foods — but did not influence the non-picky group. The picky group thought that the snack served in the red bowl was least desirable and the snack was higher in saltiness in the red and blue bowl — compared with the white bowl.
"Picky eating usually starts in childhood," Dr. Lama Bazzi said. She explained that if picky eating is not solved properly as a child, it can be developed later into certain eating disorders.
All of this is because of a sense of control and a sense of safety. So when talking about the colors of the bowls in the research study, it probably has to do with what makes that person feel safe, such as what colors are connected with safety. The colors blue, green and purple are considered "safer" colors, while the color red is usually connected with "stop".
Supermarkets use similar psychology (心理学) to catch people's attention. Children's cups are colorfully designed to entice kids, giving them a sense of safety and making it fun for them to drink something. When advertisers want customers to buy chips or food, the packaging (包装) tends to use warm and inviting colors that remind people of their childhood.
Stafford noted that the research is primary, yet the data may help picky eaters to eat various food.
