3 min readNew DelhiDec 18, 2024 09:00 PM IST
First published on: Dec 18, 2024 at 09:00 PM IST
Have you ever wondered if the shape of your plate enhances the flavour of the food served on it? Well, marketing consultant Sanjay Arora made us scratch our heads when he recently posted an Instagram video writing: “Did you know that the shape of food can actually change how sweet it tastes? Enter psychophysics! Smoother shapes, like rounded chocolate squares, trick our brains into thinking they’re sweeter—without a single recipe change. Ever noticed sandwiches taste better when cut into triangles, or that food feels sweeter on round plates? It’s all in the presentation!”
As always, we decided to verify it.
Manvi Lohia, head of holistic health and international business, Ekaanta said that, as a registered dietitian, she finds the concept of how plate shape influences tastes fascinating. “Emerging research in the field of food psychology suggests that the shape of a plate can indeed impact the way we perceive food and its flavours,” said Lohia, citing a study by Piqueras-Fiszman et al. (2012) published in Flavour Journal.
The study found that people rated food as more flavourful and enjoyable when served on round plates compared to square ones. “The circular shape was associated with feelings of comfort and positivity, which can subtly influence the way we experience a meal. Additionally, a 2015 study in Appetite by Spence and colleagues demonstrated that the shape of plates affects not only the perception of taste but also the perception of portion size, with round plates creating a more balanced and appealing visual presentation,” she added.
Round plates, in particular, are often associated with “feelings of harmony and smoothness”, which can make the overall dining experience more satisfying. “When food is arranged on a round plate, it tends to be more visually appealing, which can enhance the perception of taste. The symmetry and lack of sharp edges create an inviting appearance, which might influence how the brain interprets the food’s flavour,” described Lohia.
Why round plates are in use? (Source: Freepik)
However, while the shape of the plate can influence the psychological aspect of eating, the nutritional content, freshness of ingredients, and preparation methods are far more significant factors in determining the actual taste and health benefits of the food.
“A balanced, nutrient-dense meal will always have a greater impact on health and well-being than the shape of the plate it’s served on,” said Lohia.
In conclusion, while research shows that round plates can improve the overall enjoyment of a meal by enhancing its visual appeal, this should be “viewed as a complementary aspect to mindful eating and healthy food choices”. “The quality and nutritional value of the food remain the most important factors in creating a satisfying and healthful eating experience,” said Lohia.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
How much do you enjoy food? (Source: Freepik) 
Why round plates are in use? (Source: Freepik)
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