Scientists confirm food made by loved ones really does taste better - here's why

Recent research has revealed that nine in ten Brits agree that food tastes better when it's made by someone they love. Our other halves topped the list of favourite cooks, closely followed by mums, and grandmas. People put it down to loved ones knowing exactly their favourites and the happy memories their cooking evoked.

And now, a new science-based demonstration confirms what we've always believed to be true - bakes made by our loved ones really do taste better. And it's all down to one secret ingredient: love.

The Taste Test, led by an experimental scientist at the University of Oxford, Charles Spence with Lurpak®, found that every participant preferred the bake made by their loved one over one crafted by a professional pastry chef with experience working in London's top hotels, including The Savoy.

The experiment used heart rate monitors, micro facial expression analysis, and questionnaires to assess the emotional responses of the volunteers in real time.

Professor Charles Spence, who has conducted numerous studies into the science of taste and how it shapes our memories and experiences, said: "It was great to see the tasters react so instantly to the tastes of the loved ones' bakes, with their heart rates spiking and smiles of recognition appearing straightaway. This demonstration perfectly illustrates what the science shows, namely that love is the secret ingredient in baking."

The nation's love of baking together runs deep, with three quarters admitting they had fond memories of baking with family members as a child - with cupcakes, cookies, scones and brownies revealed as the most nostalgic bakes.

It was also found to improve relationships as over a third say the best part is seeing the joy on someone's face when they share something they've baked.

Meanwhile two in five say they feel closer when baking together, and a quarter say they feel truly cared for when loved ones bake for them.

And there's no sign of that stopping, with more than two thirds of adults passing the tradition down and spending quality time baking with their own children whenever they can.

Two thirds also have generational family recipes, while half even keep a dedicated family recipe book.

There are many reasons Brits love baking, including celebrating special occasions, using it as a hobby to relax and wanting to cheer someone up with a surprise.

Professor Spence continued: "What's striking to me is how clearly the results showed how taste is intrinsically linked to memory, emotion and, ultimately, feelings of joy and love."

Catriona Mantle, Marketing Director at Lurpak, who commissioned the test added: "Food lovers know there's real joy in baking for someone you love. Whether it's mum's birthday cake, your husband's cookies, or grandad's scones, those simple bakes just taste better.

"Our test proves what many of us have felt - and tasted - that love really is the secret ingredient in baking. And we know that it's more than just about good food - it's the care, the connections and the moments shared that make every bake taste better. That's what Lurpak is all about."