Why Does Food Taste Bad On Planes?
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22 April 2024
It is no secret that food served on aeroplanes often tastes bland and unappetising
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Turns out, the quality of the food and its ingredients isn't to blame. There are scientific reasons behind it
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Planes typically cruise at altitudes of 30,000-40,000 feet, while cabin altitude is maintained at 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level
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Cabin humidity is typically low on a plane, which can dry out your nose and affect your sense of smell, making food taste different
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Further, recycled air combined with air-conditioning makes food dry up quickly. Due to lack of moisture, our sense of smell reduces
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At the same time, lower air pressure also affects the sensitivity of our taste buds. As a result, our perception of saltiness and sweetness of food drops
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Image: Pexels
A study in 2015 found that plane vibrations stimulate a nerve in the middle ear, which messed with the participants' perceptions of taste
The noise from the aircraft engines is also to blame. A 2011 study found that background noises can lower people's ability to taste sweetness and salt in their food
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Salt is perceived to be between 20 and 30 percent less powerful and sugar, 15 to 20 percent less intense, at high altitude
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That's why airlines add more seasoning and spices to meals, to ensure they retain flavour while up in the air
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