Why Mum’s Cooking Tastes Better, According to Science
A new science-based study, reveals what we’ve always believed to be true – food made by someone you love really DOES taste better.
One in three (34 percent) of those surveyed, insist their mum’s food tastes best, while 85 percent say they always look forward to something their parents have made.
A further 40 percent believe their other half’s food tastes better than anyone else’s.
And the research of 2,000 Brits has been backed by a separate scientific taste test, conducted by leading UK boffin, Charles Spence, on behalf of Lurpak.
The demonstration monitored the reactions of blindfolded volunteers as they tasted two identical bakes – one prepared by a loved one and the other by a professional chef – using the same recipe and ingredients.
The volunteers’ responses were measured through questionnaire responses and via heart rate monitoring, analysis of micro facial expressions, and observation of the intensity of their reactions to each bake. The illustrative findings clearly indicated which bake people preferred emotionally.
Astonishingly ALL ‘tasters’ preferred the bake that was made by a loved one, over a bake that was made by a professional pastry chef, who has worked in London’s top hotels, including The Savoy.
Professor Charles Spence, who has undertaken numerous studies into exploring the science of taste and how it shapes our memories and experiences, explains the findings. He said: “For this Taste Test, we used heart rate monitors, micro facial expression analysis and questionnaires to assess the emotional responses of the tasters in real time.
“It was great to see the tasters react so instantly to the tastes of the loved ones’ bakes, with their heart rates spiking and some lovely smiles of recognition appearing straight away. This demonstration illustrates what the science shows, namely that love is the secret ingredient in baking.
“What’s striking to me is how clearly it shows that taste is intrinsically linked to memory, emotion and ultimately, feelings of joy and love. The taste test demonstrates something universal – baking isn’t just about flavour or technique. It’s about the care and love that goes into it. That’s what people taste, and that’s what makes home bakes so special – and memorable.”
It’s also no surprise that a resounding 90 percent of those surveyed agree that food tastes better when it’s made by someone you love – with 28 percent saying food cooked by their loved one reminds them of their childhood and 27 percent noting it evokes happy memories.
Three quarters (76 percent) admitting they have fond memories of baking alongside their parents and grandparents as a child – with cupcakes, chocolate cake and cookies emerging as the most nostalgic bakes.
Baking together doesn’t just spark memories – it improves relationships. Almost half of respondents (40 percent) felt they bonded with their loved ones when baking together.
67 percent love to cook recipes that have been passed down the generations. In fact, half (52 percent) even keep a dedicated family recipe book.
Catriona Mantle, Marketing Director at Lurpak, who commissioned the test added, “Food lovers know there’s real joy in baking for someone you love. The ones who find joy in every swirl, every whisk, every golden rise. Good food deserves the best ingredients. Whether it’s mum’s birthday cake, your husband’s cookies, or grandad’s scones, those simple bakes just taste better.”
The survey also revealed the top 20 greatest bakes of all time, with the classic Victoria sponge (40 percent) still reigning supreme, followed by chocolate cake (39 percent), apple pie (29 percent), chocolate brownies (26 percent) and banana bread (24 percent).
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