Feast and HelloFresh seeking taste testers for new research

Thursday 23 May 2024

Fonterra Riddet Chair of Consumer and Sensory Science and School of Food and Advanced Technology Professor Joanne Hort is working with meal kit company HelloFresh to better understand New Zealanders’ flavour palate and why people are drawn to certain flavours on their plate.

HelloFresh is seeking 10 households across New Zealand to sample a range of flavours from more than 35 different meals each week, to uncover the flavours people prefer.

Professor Hort says the Kiwi palate is a fusion of international flavours, which has evolved with global influences, more of us travelling, emigration and immigration

“Every country has different flavour preferences and foods they’re drawn towards. Even 30 years ago, spice wasn’t a major player in New Zealand cuisine. With global developments, more of us travelling, emigration and immigration – our tastes have changed.”

HelloFresh food technologists and recipe developers are eager to capture Kiwi palates and work out what flavours New Zealand is drawn to. Through a diverse group of tasters, they want to find out what flavours we can agree on and what flavour profile makes us different.

HelloFresh is looking for a range of tasters, so households of different shapes and sizes are welcome to apply – couples, families, friends – from anywhere across the country.

Applicants will need to send in 100 words telling HelloFresh why they should be selected for the Tasting panel. Please include information on who’s in your household, your location, and why you should be chosen. Only one application is necessary per group.

If you are interested, applications must be sent to flavourskiwislove@hellofresh.co.nz by Sunday 26 May.