There is a reason that we don’t like airplane food.

So we have either heard about, or experienced, the bad food on planes right?

I’d have to say that the food I have been given on my flights has been very presentable and tasty. Everyone around me has asked if they could have it. Funny that, as most people usually would not choose to have the vegetarian instead of their meaty choice.

A study by Cornell University has found there might be a good reason why we generally don’t like the food on airplanes, and it is not the food or the way it is made or presented or heated.

It is the noise of the plane.

Robin Dando, Assistant Professor of Food Science at Cornell University, said; “Our study confirmed that in an environment of loud noise, our sense of taste is compromised.”

It is important to note however that not all of the tastes are impacted aversely by the noise, umami (which is a combination of savoury and sweet) was found, by the 48 participants in the study, to taste better.

It was sweet that really is affected poorly by the noise on the plane, whilst, salty, bitter and sour tasted similar to being on the ground.

Assistant Professor Dando said; “The multisensory nature of what we consider ‘flavor’ is undoubtedly underpinned by complex central and peripheral interactions. Our results characterise a novel sensory interaction, with intriguing implications for the effect of the environment in which we consume food.”

This study could well result in significant changes to the menus on planes as airlines work to getting rid of the bad reputation their foods sometimes have.

Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.