askvity

Who Has More Taste Buds, Kids or Adults?

Published in Sensory Biology 1 min read

Children generally have more taste buds than adults. As we age, the number of our taste buds naturally decreases.

This difference in the number of taste buds contributes to the well-known fact that children often experience flavors more intensely than adults. Because they have more taste receptors, children may be more sensitive to certain tastes, like bitterness, which could explain why many kids are picky eaters.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Children: Possess a higher concentration of taste buds, covering a larger surface area, including the sides of the tongue and even the roof of the mouth.

  • Adults: Experience a decline in the number of taste buds as part of the aging process. This reduction can affect the intensity of flavor perception.

Therefore, the answer is definitively children possess more taste buds compared to adults. This difference in taste bud count accounts for variations in taste perception between these two groups.

Related Articles