Scientists discover 'sixth taste' for carbohydrates

Researchers believe extra 'starchy' flavour might explain our love of bread and pasta

160906_chips.jpg
(Image credit: 2014 AFP)

Scientists believe they have discovered a "sixth taste" that could be fuelling our carb cravings.

Until now, it was believed that humans could only detect five different primary tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and - added to the list seven years ago - umami (translated as "pleasant savoury taste"), but now researchers claim we're capable of tasting an extra "starchy" flavour too.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us