Is flavour preference the first question we should be asking when going on a date? New global research by Knorr suggests so, with 78% of people claiming to be more attracted to people who enjoy the same food flavours as them. Shockingly, the research, which spoke to 12 000 people in 12 countries, reveals that 1 in 3 of us would end a relationship with someone whose taste-buds didn’t match our own.

In South Africa the research results were as surprising with 78% of respondents saying they would give up social media over their favourite flavour, 70% their right to vote and a whopping 40% would even give up sex before sacrificing flavour.

To put the theory to the test, Knorr has conducted a social experiment with a twist. It paired complete strangers, based on their love of the same flavours. The results of the experiment were then captured and produced by award winning director Tatia Pilieva in an entertaining short film, Love At First Taste.

Greg Tucker, flavour expert and psychologist says: “Having studied the behavioural patterns behind food consumption for over 30 years, this research by Knorr validates something I have long suspected, that food and flavours are a window to our character, our flavour preferences offer a vital insight into our personality.”

“So it is no wonder that when pairing up, we seek soul-mates who are also eat-mates, who like the same food and flavours that we do. Knorr has shed light on something we do subconsciously, just like selecting food from a menu, we select partners with a similar list of the characteristics that are important to us. Now it is clear that we make these gut decisions on compatibility using our taste buds as well as our hearts,” adds Tucker.

So the question remains, do you think having the same flavour preference can help you find true love? Let us know via social media and remember to #loveatfirsttaste.

Click here to view the social experiment. 

Knorr has also developed a flavour profile quiz for people to take online. Once you’ve taken it you can share your results on social media to find out which of your friends, or romantic interests, are their best match. To take the flavour profile quiz, click here.