Fat can be detected with the help of our olfactory sense!
Laura Schneider
2026-03-25
2 min. read
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Through our olfactory sense, we have the ability to identify numerous substances, and it is key to perceiving taste. It is indispensable for avoiding the consumption of spoiled foodstuffs, and it can entice us to try new recipes. Scientists at the Monell Center have proven that our olfactory sense is so sensitive that it enables us to detect even fat.
The sense of smell and the perception of fatty odors
The right blend of spices not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also their aroma. This makes meals more appealing and invites tasting. Fat, as a nutrient, typically lacks a distinct smell, except for oils whose aroma depends on the raw materials used. However, researchers at the Monell Center have demonstrated that the human sense of smell can detect fat in food. In a study, participants from the Netherlands and the USA with varying BMIs took part. With their eyes covered, they were tasked with distinguishing between different types of milk with varying fat content. They encountered no difficulties. Scientists hypothesize that this ability is an evolutionary legacy. In the past, when diets were scarce, fat served as a valuable energy source. Today, some return to this type of diet, considering it the most natural. An example is the followers of the paleo diet, who prioritize meat and fat as staple foods.
