The Flavour Game

Children use all 5 of their senses to learn, and what better way to learn about food than through their sense of taste and smell. This activity will provide them with the opportunity to develop food literacy by developing their palate and exposing them to new foods. 

What is Flavour?

The flavour of food is a key component in what makes eating so enjoyable. Flavour is a combination of TASTE and SMELL. Taste is perceived on the tongue and includes the 4 basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Smell is perceived in the nose and includes a variety of smells, such as fragrant, sharp, sweet, and citrus. 

What You'll Need:

Collect 4 different “tasting” foods that fall under each of the 4 basic tastes

• Sweet: ex. ripe banana slice, applesauce 
• Salty: ex. salt, corn chip, whole grain cracker
• Sour: ex. piece of lemon or lime, cranberry, pickle
• Bitter: ex. bitter melon chunk, fresh cranberry, turmeric 

Collect 4 different “smelling” foods that fall under each of following smells 

• Fragrant: ex. fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint or basil
• Sharp: ex. Hard-boiled egg, garlic, cheese
• Sweet: ex. ripe banana slice, dates (pitted, chopped or pureed) 
• Citrus: ex. orange slice, lemon or lime juice 

8 small bowls (one for each “tasting” and “smelling” food)
A plate for each child participating
Tongs
The Flavour Game worksheet
Crayons, pencil crayons, and/or felts 

Note: Please ensure that the food products you choose are cut into manageable pieces for the children to consume safely.

See BC Healthlink for more info.

How to Play:

• Divide the selected “tasting” foods into individual bowls and the “smelling” foods into individual bowls
• Use tongs to place a piece of each “tasting” food on each child’s plate. Have the children taste each food. 
• After they have tasted each food, tell them what the name of the taste is. Then have them draw the food in the appropriate category on the worksheet.
• Next, use tongs to place a piece of each “smelling” food on each child’s plate. Have the children smell each food. 
• After they have smelt each food, tell them what the name of the smell is. Then have them draw the food in the appropriate category on the worksheet.
• Extension: After smelling, have them taste the “smelling” foods and see if they can name the taste on their own since they now have experience with the different tastes. 

Source: Skye Moore, 3^rd year UBC Dietetics student