What benefit is responsible for human preference of one food over another? I like kiwi. I don't like omelettes. I love berry pies, but I'm not a big fan of potato chips or pretzels.

Human taste preference is seemingly universal, with even young children able to identify foods that they like and dislike, and react appropriately, hungrily seeking the former and rejecting the latter.

But what evolutionary purpose does this serve? Is my dislike of potato chips and pretzels a sign that my body is somehow predisposed to excess sodium, and this distate for the food a compensation mechanism? Is my love of kiwi an indicator of some deficit, perhaps of vitamins C and K, or my more general preference for sour flavors (which tend to indicate acidity) a part of pH regulation?

At its heart, does biological need or deficiency for particular components of a food explain personal preference for that foodstuff, and if not, is there research showing what does?
Reasons why we do or do not like certain foods:

1. Taste

I may want to eat foods that taste pleasantly: chocolate, cakes, fried chicken and...sweet cabbage (?!).

2. Bowel regularity

I discover that whole-grain bread makes wonders to my bowel regularity, which makes my stomach to feel good, which overweights a bit bitter taste of such bread in my mouth, so I start to like it.

3. Health concerns

I read that fast food may not be healthy, so I stop eating it and start to feel better in general, and, with time, I will actually stop liking fast food.

4. Nutrient deficiencies

If I have a period in which I eat very few plant foods, I'll start to crave things, like green salad. I believe, I can start craving foods that contain certain minerals and vitamins I'm missing (iron, potassium, vitamin C, protein...).


Salt craving may be due to low sodium diet or habitual high sodium diet, or zinc deficiency.
Sugar craving may be due to need for immediate energy or due to addiction to sweet taste.
Potato craving can be due to potassium deficiency (potatoes are high in potassium).
The association between food cravings and consumption of specific foods in a laboratory taste test (PubMed, 2008). According to the study, you may crave for a certain food just because you regularly eat it.
Eating everything except food (PICA) can be due to iron or zinc deficiency.


5. Medical conditions


Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) is often associated with salt craving.
Postprandial hypoglycemia (low blood sugar after meals), diabetes mellitus type 1 and heroin withdrawal can be associated with sugar craving.


6. Beliefs

I can just hear or believe that certain food is "not good to eat" or "not good for me" and, just because of this, I might find that food disgusting.

7. Genetics and environment

Genetic and environmental factors can influence food preferences, especially in children and adolescents (PubMed, 2016).

8. Depression

Depression can be associated with craving for foods high in carbohydrates and fats, such as chocolate and chips (PubMed, 1995).



In conclusion: Nutrient deficiencies can be one of the factors for food preference.