Ever wondered why some foods taste unbearably strong to you, while other people barely notice?
If you’re highly sensitive to bitter flavours, extra picky with certain textures, or find yourself overwhelmed by rich foods, you might be a supertaster — they make up about 25% of the population, funny enough. No, that’s not a fancy word for being fussy. Supertasters actually do experience taste more intensely than most people, which can affect everything from food preferences to nutrition. Here’s how to tell if you have a supercharged sense of taste and how that might translate into the way you eat.
1. Bitter foods taste way stronger to you than they do to other people.
If you can’t stand the taste of kale, coffee, dark chocolate, or Brussels sprouts because they seem unbearably bitter, you might be a supertaster. People with more taste buds are extra sensitive to bitter compounds, which makes these foods way more intense.
While most people can tolerate a bit of bitterness, supertasters find it overpowering. That’s why they often avoid certain vegetables, strong teas, and hoppy beers — it’s not just preference; it’s a full-on taste explosion that’s too much to handle.
2. You struggle with spicy foods more than most.
Some people can handle spice like it’s nothing, but if even mild heat makes you break out in a sweat, you could be a supertaster. Since your taste buds are more sensitive, spicy foods feel more intense, making them harder to enjoy.
It’s not just about the burn — supertasters experience the underlying flavours of spicy foods more sharply too. This means that while others might find a curry pleasantly warm, you might feel like your mouth is on fire.
3. You notice even the smallest amount of salt.
While some people drown their food in salt, you probably pick up on it instantly. A little bit goes a long way for supertasters, and overly salty foods can be just as overwhelming as bitter ones. That can be a good thing for health, as supertasters naturally consume less sodium. However, it also means that processed and restaurant foods can taste ridiculously salty, and that makes them a whole lot harder to enjoy.
4. You prefer plain foods over complex flavours.
Layered, rich dishes with lots of seasonings might be a dream for some, but for supertasters, they can feel overwhelming. When there are too many competing flavours, it can be hard to enjoy the meal because everything tastes too intense.
That’s why many supertasters gravitate toward simple, mild foods — plain rice, lightly seasoned proteins, or subtle flavours that don’t hit the taste buds all at once. It’s not about being boring; it’s about avoiding sensory overload.
5. Creamy or fatty foods feel way too rich.
Some people love the indulgence of creamy pasta, buttery sauces, or rich desserts. But for supertasters, these foods can feel too heavy and overpowering, making them less enjoyable. That’s because fat has a distinct mouthfeel that supertasters pick up on more intensely. What feels smooth and luxurious to other people might feel greasy or overwhelming to someone with heightened taste sensitivity.
6. You can instantly tell when something is even slightly off.
If you’re the type of person who can detect the faintest hint of an ingredient being “off,” you probably have supertaster tendencies. Whether it’s milk that’s close to expiring, a tiny bit of burnt toast, or a slightly stale cracker, you notice it before anyone else. Supertasters don’t just experience stronger flavours — they also pick up on subtle changes in food quality. This means they often reject foods that most people wouldn’t even think twice about eating.
7. You avoid strong-tasting vegetables.
Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain bitter compounds that supertasters find especially intense. While others might enjoy their earthiness, you probably find them unpleasant or even inedible. That can make it tricky to get enough vegetables in your diet, as many of the most nutrient-dense options tend to be on the bitter side. Finding workarounds — like roasting veggies to bring out their natural sweetness — can help.
8. Artificial sweeteners taste disgusting to you.
While some people happily use artificial sweeteners in their coffee or diet drinks, you might find them unbearably bitter. That’s because supertasters are extra sensitive to the chemical compounds used in sugar substitutes. To a supertaster, artificial sweeteners don’t taste like sugar at all — they have a weird aftertaste that lingers and ruins the whole experience. That’s why many prefer natural sweetness from fruits or mild, unprocessed sugars.
9. Carbonated drinks taste extra sharp.
Fizzy drinks don’t just feel bubbly to supertasters — they have a biting, almost painful sensation. The carbonic acid in soda and sparkling water is more intense for people with heightened taste sensitivity, making it less enjoyable. While some supertasters still enjoy carbonated drinks, others find them harsh and uncomfortable to drink, so they tend to go for flat or lightly sparkling beverages instead.
10. You struggle with certain meats.
Gamey meats like lamb, venison, or even some cuts of beef have strong flavours that can be overwhelming to supertasters. Instead of enjoying the richness, they might find the taste overpowering or even unpleasant. That can make it tricky to enjoy certain cuisines or dishes that rely on bold meat flavours. Supertasters tend to prefer milder proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish that don’t have such a strong presence on the palate.
11. Coffee and alcohol taste way too strong.
Black coffee and strong alcoholic drinks — like whiskey or hoppy beer — can be way too intense for them. While other people might enjoy the depth of flavour, supertasters pick up every bitter note, making them less enjoyable. That’s why many of them prefer milder options, like lighter beers, sweet cocktails, or coffee with milk and sugar. They’re not being picky; it’s just how their taste buds process these flavours.
12. You find some seasonings completely overpowering.
Some people love piling on garlic, onion, and spices, but for supertasters, a little goes a long way. Certain seasonings can feel overwhelming, taking over the entire dish instead of enhancing it. That’s why they often prefer subtle, balanced seasoning rather than heavily spiced or garlicky foods. If you’re always the one asking for “less seasoning” when eating out, this could be why.
13. Your diet might be lacking variety.
Since so many foods taste too strong, bitter, or rich, supertasters often have a more limited diet. Avoiding vegetables, spicy foods, and certain meats can make it harder to get a full range of nutrients. Finding milder alternatives and experimenting with cooking methods (like roasting vegetables to reduce bitterness) can help supertasters expand their diets while still enjoying their meals. It’s all about working with your taste buds, not against them.
