| Umami |
Japan |
Savory taste that enhances flavor |
Miso soup, Ramen |
Soy sauce, Miso, Seaweed |
| Sour |
Global |
Sharp, tangy flavor often from acids |
Ceviche, Sour candies |
Lime, Vinegar, Yogurt |
| Bitter |
Global |
A sharp, strong flavor often found in certain greens |
Coffee, Dark Chocolate |
Kale, Endive, Coffee Beans |
| Sweet |
Global |
Pleasant taste often associated with sugars |
Desserts, Fruits |
Sugar, Honey, Maple Syrup |
| Spicy |
India |
Heat-producing flavor from peppers and spices |
Curries, Salsas |
Chili Peppers, Ginger, Garlic |
| Salty |
Global |
Flavor enhancing compound, usually from salt |
Ocean foods, Chips |
Salt, Seaweed, Olives |
| Smoky |
South America |
Flavor resulting from smoking foods |
BBQ, Smoked Meats |
Smoked Paprika, Chipotle, Liquid Smoke |
| Herbaceous |
Mediterranean |
Flavor from fresh and dried herbs |
Pesto, Garden Salads |
Basil, Oregano, Thyme |
| Nutty |
Middle East |
Rich flavor from nuts, often roasted |
Baklava, Hummus |
Almonds, Pistachios, Sesame |
| Fruity |
Tropical |
Flavor profile reminiscent of various fruits |
Salsas, Dressings |
Mango, Passionfruit, Apricot |
| Umami Bomb |
Japan |
Intense savory flavor from concentrated sources |
Ton Katsu, Dashi |
Parmesan, Soy Sauce, Dried Fish |
| Zesty |
Latin America |
Bright, lively flavor often from citrus |
Fish Tacos, Guacamole |
Lime, Lemon, Orange |
| Rich |
Global |
A deep, luxurious flavor often in sauces |
Creamy Pasta, Chocolate Cake |
Butter, Cream, Cheese |
| Earthy |
Africa |
Flavor that brings to mind soil and roots |
Root Vegetable Dishes, Lentils |
Mushrooms, Beets, Truffles |
| Cheesy |
Global |
Flavor associated with cheese, thick and tangy |
Pizza, Cheeseburgers |
Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese |
| Spicy-Sweet |
Asia |
Combination of spice and sweetness |
Sweet & Sour Chicken, Teriyaki |
Brown Sugar, Honey, Hot Sauce |
| Tangy |
Southeast Asia |
A sharp and slightly sweet flavor |
Thai Curry, Pickles |
Tamarind, Citrus, Vinegar |
| Floral |
Asia |
Delicate flavor reminiscent of flowers |
Desserts, Herbal Teas |
Elderflower, Jasmine, Rose |
| Salty-Sweet |
North America |
The combination of sweet and salty flavors |
Kettle Corn, Salted Caramel |
Popcorn, Caramel, Sea Salt |
| Fermented |
Asia |
Sour flavor developed through fermentation |
Kimchi, Sauerkraut |
Kimchi, Miso, Sauerkraut |
| Minty |
Mediterranean |
Refreshing flavor from mint leaves |
Mint Tea, Tabouli |
Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint |
| Rich-Savory |
Global |
Deep savory flavor, often creamy |
Alfredo Sauce, Gratins |
Heavy Cream, Cheese, Garlic |
| Crunchy |
Global |
Textural flavor from crunchy foods |
Granola, Toasted Nuts |
Nuts, Croutons, Seeds |
| Grilled |
North America |
Flavor derived from grilling, smoky and charred |
Grilled Vegetables, Steaks |
Charcoal, Marinades, Herbs |
| Pickled |
Global |
Sour flavor from preserved foods |
Pickles, Fermented Vegetables |
Cucumbers, Beets, Carrots |
| Savory-Sweet |
Global |
Combination of savory and sweet notes |
Teriyaki, Glazed Chicken |
Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Garlic |
| Greasy |
Global |
Flavor characterized by oiliness |
Fried Foods, Burgers |
Oils, Butter, Fatty Meats |
| Spicy-Sour |
India |
Heat combined with a tangy taste |
Sambal, Hot Sauce |
Chili, Tamarind, Vinegar |
| Chocolatey |
Global |
Rich flavor from cocoa or chocolate |
Brownies, Hot Chocolate |
Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate, Milk |
| Oaky |
Europe |
Flavor from aging in wooden barrels |
Aged Wines, Whiskeys |
Wood, Vanilla, Toasted Oak |
| Caramelized |
Global |
Sweet flavor produced by caramelizing sugars |
Onions, Desserts |
Sugar, Onions, Fruits |
| Sweet-Savory |
Africa |
The harmonious balance of sweet and savory |
Tagines, Roasted Meats |
Dried Fruits, Spices, Honey |
| Toasty |
Global |
Flavor from roasting or toasting ingredients |
Roasted Nuts, Toast |
Almonds, Bread, Spices |
| Herbal |
Mediterranean |
Fresh and green flavor from herbs |
Herb-crusted Fish, Soups |
Cilantro, Parsley, Dill |
| Gamey |
Game Meat Region |
Strong flavor typical in wild meats |
Venison, Rabbit |
Wild Game, Herbs, Gamey Cuts |
| Creamy |
Global |
Smooth and fatty flavor often from dairy |
Ice Cream, Alfredo Pasta |
Cream, Cheese, Milk |
| Grassy |
North Africa |
Herbal flavor profile resembling fresh grass |
Cilantro Rice, Dressings |
Cilantro, Grass-fed meats |
| Chewy |
Global |
Textural component providing resistance during chewing |
Gummy Candies, Bagels |
Gluten, Gelatin, Chewy Vegetables |
| Sweet-Spicy |
Asia |
Balance of heat and sweetness |
Spicy Mango Salad, Hot Honey |
Chili Powder, Sriracha, Mango |
| Umami-Rich |
Japan |
Intense savory flavor from rich ingredients |
Sushi, Ramen Bowls |
Dashi, Katsuobushi, Soy Sauce |
| Peppery |
Mediterranean |
Heat and pungency from black/white pepper |
Steaks, Salads |
Black Pepper, White Pepper |
| Tart |
Global |
Flavor profile that is sour yet refreshing |
Fruit Tarts, Sour Candies |
Lemon, Cranberry, Tamarind |
| Spicy-Sour |
Southeast Asia |
Heat combined with tangy notes |
Thai Papaya Salad |
Chili, Lime, Fish Sauce |
| Savory-Sweet |
Middle East |
Combination of savory with sweet flavors |
Moroccan Tagines |
Dates, Apricots, Spices |
| Flavorful Funk |
South East Asia |
Unique flavor from fermentation or spoilage |
Natto, Stinky tofu |
Fermented Beans, Tofu |
| Bright |
Global |
Vivid flavor profile, usually with citrus or fresh herbs |
Salads, Dressings |
Lime, Lemon, Basil |
| Creamy-Savory |
Global |
The richness of cream combined with savory aspects |
Creamy Risotto, Alfredo |
Heavy Cream, Cheese, Garlic |
| Spicy-Sweet-Sour |
Latin America |
The trifecta of spicy, sweet, and tangy |
Sweet Chile Sauce, Glazed Fish |
Honey, Chilies, Lemons |
| Subtle |
Japan |
Delicate flavor with muted intensity |
Sushi, Kaiseki |
White Fish, Some Vegetables |
| Molasses |
Global |
Rich, dark flavor from sugarcane processing |
Gingerbread, Baked Beans |
Molasses, Sugar, Spices |
| Nutty-Sweet |
Global |
Combination of nut flavors with sweetness |
Nut Bars, Nut Butters |
Almonds, Hazelnuts, Figs |
| Savory-Fruity |
Caribbean |
Savory and sweet fruit profile |
Pineapple Salsa, Jamaican Jerk |
Pineapple, Mango, Spices |
| Smooth |
Global |
Silky texture and flavor harmony |
Smoothies, Mousse |
Fruits, Cream, Sugar |
| Ripe |
Tropical |
Flavor of fully matured fruits |
Ripe Bananas, Mango |
Fully Ripe Fruits |
| Chalky |
Europe |
Flavors associated with minerals or chalk |
Mineral Waters, Cheeses |
Minerals, Cheeses |
| Aromatic |
Mediterranean |
Strong, fragrant flavors from herbs and spices |
Greek Dishes, Infusions |
Rosemary, Lavender, Anise |
| Umami Spices |
South America |
Spices with strong savory flavors |
Chili, BBQ Rubs |
Cumin, Paprika, Darkness |
| Fudgy |
Global |
Rich chocolate flavor, often dense |
Brownies, Fudge |
Chocolate, Sugar, Butter |
| Toquilla |
Latin America |
Flavors from traditional spirits |
Margaritas, Tequila Drinks |
Tequila, Lime, Agave |
| Funky |
Fermentation Regions |
Strong, unique flavors from fermentation processes |
Kimchi, Fermented Beans |
Fermented Vegetables, Fish Sauce |
| Charred |
Global |
Intense flavor from grilling or charring |
Grilled Meats, Vegetables |
Charcoal, Grilling Spices |
| Warm-Spicy |
Mediterranean |
Heat with warming qualities |
Spiced Wine, Curries |
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice |
| Vibrant |
Global |
Bright, lively flavors, often with a kick |
Spicy Mango Salad, Ceviche |
Fruits, Chilis, Vinegar |
| Essential Oil |
Herb Regions |
Concentrated plant flavors from essential oils |
Herbal Infusions, Aromas |
Lavender, Peppermint |
| Zingy |
Latin America |
Piquant, sharp flavors often with a kick |
Fresh Salsas, Pickled Foods |
Lime Zest, Fresh Chilis |
| Gelato |
Italy |
Creamy, dense ice cream with strong flavors |
Gelato, Sorbetto |
Fruits, Cocoa, Nuts |
| Zesty-Citrus |
Mediterranean |
Lively, tart flavor from citrus fruits |
Citrus Dressings, Lemonade |
Lemon, Lime, Oranges |
| Snappy |
Global |
Crunchy texture with flavorful snacks |
Chips, Crackers |
Potatoes, Grain, Seasoning |
| Earthy-Sweet |
Europe |
Root vegetable flavors associated with sweetness |
Roasted Beets, Sweet Potatoes |
Beets, Sweet Potatoes, Maple |
| Umami-Sweet |
South America |
Rich, savory flavor combined with sweetness |
Teriyaki, BBQ Chicken |
Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Honey |
| Bright-Spicy |
Southeast Asia |
Vibrant flavors with heat |
Thai Dishes, Spicy Noodles |
Chili, Lemongrass, Cilantro |
| Rich-Sweet |
North America |
Dense, sweet flavors ideal for desserts |
Chocolate Cake, Pies |
Chocolate, Sugar, Fruits |
| Complex |
Global |
Flavors with multiple layers and notes |
Gourmet Dishes |
Fusion of many components |
| Nutty-Bitter |
Middle East |
Combination of bitterness and nuttiness |
Tahini, Nutty Dip |
Sesame, Nuts |
| Fresh |
Global |
Clean, fresh flavors present in many cuisines |
Salads, Smoothies |
Leafy Greens, Fresh Herbs |
| Sappy |
North America |
Resinous flavor from trees or plants |
Maple Syrup, Birch Beer |
Maple, Birch Sap |
| Vegan-Friendly |
Global |
Plant-based flavors and textures |
Tofu Stir-fries, Plant-based Burgers |
Tofu, Legumes, Grains |
| Coastal-Fresh |
Coastal Regions |
Fresh, briny flavors from seafood |
Fish Tacos, Clam Chowder |
Seafood, Sea Vegetables |
| Tropical |
Tropical Regions |
Sweet, tangy flavors from tropical fruits |
Pina Colada, Fruit Salads |
Pineapple, Coconut, Mango |
| Fermented-Salty |
Asia |
Bold flavors from fermented products |
Kimchi, Fermented Fish |
Salt, Fermented Vegetables |
| Syrupy |
Global |
Thick, sweet flavors often used in desserts |
Pancakes, Desserts |
Syrups, Honey, Sugars |
| Potent |
Global |
Strong, powerful flavors that dominate dishes |
Spicy Curries, Garlic Dishes |
Spices, Garlic, Vinegar |
| Roasted |
Global |
Flavor sweetened and enhanced through roasting |
Roasted Chicken, Roasted Vegetables |
Vegetables, Meats |
| Earthy-Savory |
Central America |
Deep, savory flavor often from roots |
Tacos Al Pastor, Mole |
Roots, Spices, Meats |
| Toastiness |
Global |
Lightly scorched flavors associated with toasting |
Toasted Bread, Nuts |
Grains, Nuts |
| Wet |
Global |
Moist flavors often found in sauces or salads |
Dresses, Creamy Pastas |
Dressings, Creams |
| Syrupy-Sweet |
Global |
Thick, sugary flavors in sweet dishes |
Pancakes, Desserts |
Syrup, Honey, Confectioners Sugar |
| Sugary |
Global |
Pure sweetness in food items |
Candies, Sweeter Foods |
Sugar, Syrups |
| Sharp |
Europe |
Strong, pungent flavor usually of cheeses or pickles |
Aged Cheeses, Pickles |
Gouda, Emmental |
| Classic |
Global |
Traditional flavors that signify regional cuisine |
Regional Dishes, Comfort Foods |
Regional Ingredients |
| Traditional |
Various Regions |
Authentic flavors that represent cultural heritage |
Cultural Foods |
Cultural Ingredients |
| Tantalizing |
Global |
Flavors that arouse the taste buds |
Gourmet Dishes, Fusion Foods |
Combination of sauces and spices |
| Colorful |
Global |
Vibrant flavors primarily from colorful ingredients |
Salads, Dishes |
Vegetables, Spices, Herbs |
| Zesty-Spicy |
Latin America |
Sharp and spicy flavor profile |
Salsas, Some Marinades |
Cilantro, Chilis |
| Cooling |
Global |
Refreshing flavors often derived from mint and cucumber |
Yogurt Sauce, Salads |
Mint, Yogurt |
| Filling |
Global |
Dense, satisfying flavors often found in comfort food |
Casseroles, Stews |
Grains, Proteins |
| Summery |
Latin America |
Light, fresh flavors reminiscent of summer |
Ceviche, Salads |
Fresh Seafood, Vegetables |
| Citrusy |
Global |
Bright, tangy flavors from citrus fruits |
Lemon Bars, Vinaigrettes |
Lemon, Lime, Orange |
| Decadent |
Global |
Rich flavors that offer luxury |
Chocolate Fondue, Creamy Soups |
Chocolate, Cream, Egg Yolks |
| Scentsational |
Various |
Aromatic flavors that are intense and memorable |
Perfumed Dishes, Infusions |
Herbs, Aromatic Spices |
| Creamy-Smooth |
Global |
Dairy-based flavors that offer richness |
Ice Cream, Creamy Soups |
Cream, Milk, Cheese |
| Bold |
Global |
Strong flavors that demand attention |
Spicy Curries, Bold Sauces |
Chili, Garlic, Soy |
| Balanced |
Global |
A harmony of flavors that complement each other |
Balanced Dishes |
A mix of complementary components |
| Subtle-Sweet |
Global |
Light sweetness that is not overpowering |
Fruit Salads, Subtle Pastries |
Fruits, Honey |
| Soft |
Global |
Gentle flavors that are easy on the palate |
Soft Cheeses, Creamy Dishes |
Soft Cheese, Cream |
| Earthy-Bitter |
South America |
Strong flavors often from wild plants or unsweetened greens |
Wild Green Salads, Bitter Chocolates |
Wild Greens, Bitter Herbs |
| Intense |
Global |
High-impact flavors that are memorable |
Spicy Garlic Sauce, Intense Salsas |
Spices, Pastes |
| Bold-Citrus |
Latin America |
Strong citrus flavors often with heat |
Ceviche, Citrus Dressings |
Lime, Orange, Chilis |
| Honeyed |
Global |
Soft, sweet flavors often represented by honey |
Honey-glazed Meats, Bear Claws |
Honey, Syrups |
| Cozy |
Global |
Comforting flavors that evoke warmth |
Stews, Hot Beverages |
Warm Spices, Root Vegetables |
| Ferment-Driven |
Global |
Deep flavors arising from fermentation processes |
Fermented Dishes, Pickled Veggies |
Fermentation Products, Spices |
| Warm-Spicy-Citrus |
Caribbean |
Comforting warmth combined with a zing from citrus |
Warm Citrus Desserts, Curry |
Citrus, Heat |
| Smooth-Creamy |
Global |
Soft, luxurious textures with mild flavors |
Creamy Soups, Dips |
Cream, Dairy |
| Light |
Global |
Delicate flavors that don't overpower |
Salads, Light Soups |
Fresh Vegetables, Light Dressings |
| Cheesy-Savory |
Europe |
A mix of rich cheeses and earthy notes |
Cheese Platters, Fondue |
Cheese, Fatty Meats |
| Generous |
Global |
Abundant flavors that create satisfaction |
Large Platter Meals, Buffets |
Rich Ingredients |
| Exotic |
Global |
Unique flavors that are not commonly found |
Unique Dishes, Fusion |
Rare Fruits, Spices |
| Tropical-Sweet |
Tropical Regions |
Sweet, lush flavors typical of tropical fruits |
Tropical Smoothies, Sorbets |
Papaya, Passionfruit, Banana |
| Crispy |
Global |
Flavors with appealing crunchy textures |
Crispy Chicken, Fried Foods |
Fried Items, Crunchy Vegetables |