12.7. Tasters, Supertasters, and Nontasters

Tasters are people with a genetic difference that means they are especially sensitive to bitter sensations. This is often tested by checking to see whether they can taste PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) or PTC (Phenylthiocarbamide). To a taster, these will taste bitter. To a non-taster, they do not have a flavor.

A supertaster is a person who is able to taste things to a more extreme level than typical. This is a result from the extra number of fungiform papillae on the tongue (Figure 12.9). With this extra amount of papillae, the individual is able to taste things better and more potently. Often supertasters are picky eaters.

In the 1960’s Roland Fischer was the first to link the ability to taste PTC to food preference and body type. Today, PROP has replaced PTC in taste research because of a faint sulfurous odor and safety concerns with PTC. Most estimates suggest that 25% of the population are nontasters, 50% are medium tasters, and 25% are supertasters. Women are more likely to be supertasters, as are people from Asia, South America, and Africa. Female supertasters tend to have a lower body mass index and better cardiovascular health. This may be due to the fact that supertasters do not have a high predilection for sweet or high-fat foods.

At-home Supertaster Testing Using Blue Food Dye:

Step 1: Place 3 to 4 drops of blue or green food dye on your tongue. Spread the dye out and make sure you cover the entire tip of your tongue.

Step 2: Place a hole-punch reinforcement sticker on the front end of your tongue. If you do not have a reinforcement sticker, you can use a small strip of paper with a hole punch in it.

Step 3: Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to view the papillae better.After setting up in front of a mirror, make sure you can see the individual papillae on your tongue.

Step 4: Count the number of the papillae on the inside of the circle. A regular taster has about 15 to 30 papillae in that area, so if you have 30 or more, you are most likely a supertaster!