Research
Adherence
Human food preferences and likes are largely learned through exposure and association rather than being innate or purely genetic.
You can change your food preferences. Repeated exposure to new foods, especially in positive contexts, can lead to liking them. Genetics play a minor role.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
This view of 'innate' responses implies a major role for learning in the adoption and maintenance of food likes and preferences.
Why this rating
Based on review of behavioral studies.
Source
Food choice and intake: the human factor
David J. Mela · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · 1999
DOI 10.1017/s0029665199000683
narrative_reviewCited 191×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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