Why do drinks taste different on a plane? We take a look at the drinks that taste better at 38,000 feet, according to food and drink experts.
4 November 2023
Does flying affect how you taste?
Plane food has a reputation for being particularly bland, and while some airlines do have a tendency to serve up trays of flavourless meals, the taste of the food and drinks might have more to do with your own body. Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, nutritionist and author, explains that all of the external factors involved with flying can impact how we experience food and drink. “Cabin pressure and a low humidity environment influence our taste buds, making them less sensitive; consequently, food and drink are less flavourful,” she says.
Nutritionist and food writer Joy Skipper agrees. “Flying can have a noticeable effect on our taste buds due to the low humidity, which can drop as low as 10-20 percent. This dry environment can impact the mucous membranes in our mouths and noses, reducing our ability to taste and smell. Furthermore, the lower air pressure at high altitudes can also affect taste perception — sweet and salty tastes become less prominent, whilst bitter, sour, and spicy flavours remain unaffected,” she tells us.
How does this happen?
Altitude changes can significantly affect oxygen levels in the body, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply during flights. Wellness expert Marie Reynolds explains, “Normally, when grounded, our red blood cells absorb roughly 27 percent of the oxygen from the air, which is then distributed throughout the body to support the functioning of our organs. Therefore, a decrease in oxygen can significantly affect the rest of the body, especially regarding how our organs interact with tongue and taste sensations.”
Are there specific flavours that taste better on planes?
Naturally, everyone has different tastes and preferences regarding drinks. “It varies for each individual, similar to asking what clothing colour is universally suitable for everyone during a flight!” says Marie. However, as flying has such a universal dampening impact on our taste buds, certain flavour profiles may taste stronger on the palate. Furthermore, remember that the longer the flight, the more significant the impact of cabin pressure and low humidity on your taste buds. “Drinking earlier in the flight rather than later may provide a better tasting experience — as we dry out, our taste buds become less effective,” Joy suggests.
These are the best drinks to order on a plane
Bloody Mary
Ingredients: tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, vodka
A Bloody Mary has long been known as the best cocktail to order on a plane. It is punchy, packed with flavour, and can have a spicy hit to awaken your taste buds. “Tomato-based drinks such as a Bloody Mary or Virgin Mary with a big dash of Worcestershire Sauce will provide a great umami kick,” says Joy.
Gin and Tonic
Ingredients: gin, tonic water, lemon slice
Air pressure affects the sensitivity of taste buds, often diminishing the perception of certain flavours, especially those that are bitter or salty. “Considering this, drinking a gin and tonic, known for its bitterness, could be one of the preferred choices during a flight. Its bitter taste may be less pronounced in the altered air pressure, effectively overcoming a dulled taste sensation,” explains Marie.
Moscow Mule
Ingredients: ginger beer, vodka
A ginger beer-based Moscow Mule may provide a bit of a kick, as this fizzy drink mixed with a spicy aftertaste of the ginger could help you taste it more than other milder options.
Mimosa
Ingredients: Champagne or prosecco, orange juice
This is an easy one to make for yourself and adds to the celebratory mood of travelling. Order a glass of something sparkling (the bubbles should help stimulate your taste buds) and top it up with some zesty orange juice — the acidity of the juice will enhance the flavour.
Jalapeño Margarita
Ingredients: tequila, lime, jalapeños, sugar syrup
This cocktail involves slightly more prep, but it is worth it. “Make it as spicy as you dare,” says Joy. The kick from the jalapeños should help awaken your taste buds with a hot sensation. Pair it with umami-rich food, too. “Spices and bold flavours, such as curries or salty snacks, can provide a more satisfying eating experience whilst flying,” she explains.
Wasabi Martini
Ingredients: vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup, wasabi paste
This one also requires some extra effort, but it could seriously “help clear out your nasal passages,” according to Joy. “Spicy flavours, alongside sweet or acidic foods, can taste more pronounced,” Dr. Thivi agrees. Many airports have sushi restaurants or takeaway spots where you can find wasabi, or you could pack a small dollop of wasabi paste in your hand luggage for convenience.
Wine
Wine is always a good accompaniment to food, particularly when choosing dishes that could help overcome those muted taste buds. Joy tells us, “If you are trying to choose foods with complex and layered flavours, drinking wine allows for the nuances of these conditions to enhance the drinker’s enjoyment.” Some airlines offer selected wines that are fruity with low acid and low tannin to accommodate the changes that happen to the wines in the air.
These are the best non-alcoholic drinks to order on a plane
Dr. Thivi warns that since the effect of alcohol is enhanced at high altitudes, it is essential to be mindful of drinks such as spirits with higher alcohol content. Light beers, wine, and lower alcohol cocktails would be more mindful choices. More importantly, make sure to hydrate well to avoid dehydration linked to alcohol intake. Look for low-alcohol alternatives made with soda water, enhanced with lemon or lime, to improve the flavour in the cabin environment.
Marie agrees. “The most beneficial drink to have on a flight is plain water, but if you prefer something more flavourful, you could opt for beetroot juice, known to support the kidneys and improve circulation — a vital function when sitting still for extended periods during a flight,” she states. “Alternatively, bitter grapefruit juice can benefit the heart meridian, an essential pathway for the flow of vital energy and blood, plus the bitter taste could taste better than other drinks in mid-flight.”
