Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped various aspects of daily life, including the way we perceive and experience food. This review explores the emerging issue of taste alterations among individuals recovering from COVID-19, focusing on the changes in taste preferences and the br...

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Main Authors: Arumugam Vignesh, Thomas Cheeran Amal, Krishnan Vasanth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Food
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00471-x
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author Arumugam Vignesh
Thomas Cheeran Amal
Krishnan Vasanth
author_facet Arumugam Vignesh
Thomas Cheeran Amal
Krishnan Vasanth
author_sort Arumugam Vignesh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped various aspects of daily life, including the way we perceive and experience food. This review explores the emerging issue of taste alterations among individuals recovering from COVID-19, focusing on the changes in taste preferences and the broader consequences for culinary experiences. It investigates the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the chemosensory systems, highlighting the physiological mechanisms that contribute to disturbances in taste and smell. Beyond individual sensory changes, the discussion expands to consider the impact on the food industry, culinary traditions, and social dining habits. Through addressing these evolving sensory experiences, the review emphasizes the need for greater awareness and adaptive strategies for those affected. It also offers valuable perspectives for researchers, clinicians, and food professionals aiming to support recovery and innovation in the post-pandemic culinary landscape. Ultimately, this examination contributes to a deeper understanding of COVID-19’s lasting influence on human taste and gastronomy.
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spelling doaj-art-a4a2af13a2594bf9acfd435ca93c08192025-08-20T03:16:34ZengSpringerDiscover Food2731-42862025-05-015111510.1007/s44187-025-00471-xExploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitationArumugam Vignesh0Thomas Cheeran Amal1Krishnan Vasanth2Department of Botany, NGM College (Autonomous)ICAR - Central Institute for Cotton Research, RSDepartment of Botany, Bharathiar UniversityAbstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped various aspects of daily life, including the way we perceive and experience food. This review explores the emerging issue of taste alterations among individuals recovering from COVID-19, focusing on the changes in taste preferences and the broader consequences for culinary experiences. It investigates the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the chemosensory systems, highlighting the physiological mechanisms that contribute to disturbances in taste and smell. Beyond individual sensory changes, the discussion expands to consider the impact on the food industry, culinary traditions, and social dining habits. Through addressing these evolving sensory experiences, the review emphasizes the need for greater awareness and adaptive strategies for those affected. It also offers valuable perspectives for researchers, clinicians, and food professionals aiming to support recovery and innovation in the post-pandemic culinary landscape. Ultimately, this examination contributes to a deeper understanding of COVID-19’s lasting influence on human taste and gastronomy.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00471-xCOVID-19Altered taste perceptionsPost-recovery palate shiftCulinary adaptationsFunctional foods
spellingShingle Arumugam Vignesh
Thomas Cheeran Amal
Krishnan Vasanth
Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
Discover Food
COVID-19
Altered taste perceptions
Post-recovery palate shift
Culinary adaptations
Functional foods
title Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
title_full Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
title_fullStr Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
title_short Exploring the impact of post-COVID-19 taste loss on food-related experiences, quality of life, coping strategies, and rehabilitation
title_sort exploring the impact of post covid 19 taste loss on food related experiences quality of life coping strategies and rehabilitation
topic COVID-19
Altered taste perceptions
Post-recovery palate shift
Culinary adaptations
Functional foods
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00471-x
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