Taste is a powerful driver of food choices, directly influencing our overall health and nutritional intake.
While personal preferences and cultural influences certainly play a part, research continues to highlight a significant biological factor—genetics.
The way we perceive different flavours can be shaped by our DNA, which in turn can affect dietary habits and long-term health outcomes.
Understanding the relationship between genetics and taste perception opens up new opportunities for personalising nutrition and improving public health.
The biology of taste perception
Taste perception begins when chemical compounds in food interact with taste receptors on the tongue. These receptors detect five primary tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.
Once detected, signals are sent to the brain, where they are interpreted into what we experience as flavour.
While these sensations are common to all humans, the degree to which we sense them can vary significantly from person to person.
Genetic variability in taste sensitivity
This variability is often influenced by genetic makeup.
Differences in specific genes can make individuals more or less sensitive to certain tastes, which in turn shapes food preferences and eating behaviours.
One of the most studied genes in this field is TAS2R38, which affects the perception of bitterness. Individuals with particular variants of this gene are more sensitive to bitter compounds, commonly found in vegetables like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
As a result, they may avoid these nutrient-rich foods, potentially leading to gaps in their intake of fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.
Similarly, genes within the TAS1R family influence how we experience sweet and umami flavours.
Some people may naturally prefer sweet-tasting foods due to heightened sensitivity, increasing the risk of excessive sugar consumption and associated health issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Inherited preferences and long-term health impact
Our food preferences are partly inherited and can significantly influence our daily dietary patterns.
Those genetically inclined to avoid bitter foods may have lower intakes of certain vegetables, while those with a preference for sweet or fatty foods may consume diets higher in sugar and saturated fats.
Over time, these tendencies can contribute to health conditions like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and poor gut health.
While environment and lifestyle also affect what we eat, the genetic component of taste perception adds another layer to why some people struggle more than others with adopting or maintaining healthy eating habits.
Nutritional risks of genetic taste variation
Genetic variations in taste perception can lead to nutritional deficiencies or imbalanced diets.
For instance, avoiding bitter foods can result in low intake of key nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium.
On the other hand, a genetic preference for sugary foods can elevate chronic disease risk.
The role of personalised nutrition
This is where personalised nutrition becomes valuable.
By assessing an individual’s genetic profile, dietitians can tailor strategies that align with taste sensitivities.
For example, those sensitive to bitterness can be guided towards gentler cooking methods or flavour enhancers that make these foods more palatable without compromising their health benefits.
My DNA testing
Peninsula Health and Nutrition dietitians, in collaboration with our trusted partners My DNA and Be Fit Food, offer a comprehensive approach to understanding your individual health needs.
Through genetic testing, they can analyse your DNA to identify specific susceptibilities to metabolic and nutrition-related risks.
With My DNA testing kits available for just $99, you can take the first step towards a more informed and personalised approach to your diet.
Once your results are ready, the Peninsula Health and Nutrition team will develop a tailored nutrition strategy that aligns with your genetic predispositions and supports long-term metabolic health.
Take the first step towards personalised nutrition
Struggling with food preferences, digestive issues, or finding the right balance in your diet?
Your DNA could provide the answers.
At Lifecare, in partnership with Peninsula Health and Nutrition, we offer personalised, DNA-guided nutrition support to help you make more informed choices for your health.
Contact your nearest Lifecare clinic today to learn more. Find your closest Lifecare clinic offering women’s health services to book an appointment.
Written by Julia Haimovich (APD, CEDC), Dietitian – Lifecare Frankston Physiotherapy, Lifecare Prahan Sports Medicine, Lifecare Croydon Sports Medicine.
With a Master of Dietetics from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition from La Trobe University, Julia is a passionate advocate for holistic, patient-centred nutrition care. She brings years of experience in supporting individuals through chronic conditions, pregnancy, paediatrics, and cognitive challenges. Her approach blends empathy and evidence-based strategies to empower sustainable, lifelong health and wellbeing.