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Why food may taste different as you age

A woman in a kitchen looks at a red bell pepper.

March 13, 2026—Has your food lost that tasty zing it had when you were younger? It's a common problem as people get older. And it can make eating well—and staying healthy—more challenging. Here's what to know.

Smell and taste, intertwined

Certain health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and dry mouth, can affect your sense of taste.

So can certain medications, including medicines that treat allergies, high blood pressure and depression, according to the National Council on Aging.

But there's a bigger factor at play: 90% of what we perceive as taste actually comes from smell, reports AARP. And the sense of smell typically starts declining at age 50—and goes downhill faster after 60.

As a result, our sense of both smell and taste usually fade as we age.

It's not a minor problem. If food doesn't taste good, it can make cooking less enjoyable and make it harder to eat enough healthy foods. That can lead to weight loss, weight gain or simply not getting all the nutrients you need.

Tasty tips

Luckily, there are things you can do to help make meals more satisfying:

Let your doctor know what's going on. If a medication might be affecting your sense of taste, they may be able to recommend another option. Or they might be able to help treat other possible causes, such as untreated allergies.

Avoid taste-damaging substances. Both smoking and alcohol use can affect your sense of taste, warns the National Institute on Aging.

Don't forget the dentist. Gum disease, infection and ill-fitting dentures can literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist can help.

If food still doesn't taste good after dealing with other causes, try these solutions:

  • Boost flavor without salt. Add delicious herbs like sage, thyme or rosemary. Perk up dull flavors with mustard, hot pepper, onions, garlic and ginger. A spritz of lemon juice or vinegar instantly brightens flavors.
  • Eat with your eyes. Carrots, tomatoes and other bright foods can add a splash of color to your plate—and make food more interesting.
  • Don't overcook veggies. Instead, steam them to a nice crunch. It can help add texture and interest to your meal.
  • Get physical. Exercise can spur a healthy appetite, along with all those other great health benefits.
  • Share a meal with friends or family on a regular basis, either in person or virtually. Meals will be more enjoyable, connect you with other people and even reduce stress.
  • Change it up. Try a new veggie, fruit or seafood—or one you haven't eaten in a while—to add healthy variety to your diet.

Make meals count

Good nutrition is essential for keeping our bones, muscles, organs and brains healthy as we age, letting us stay independent and active for longer. While older people don't need as many calories as they did when they were younger, they do need more of some nutrients, particularly calcium and vitamin D.

Nutrient-dense foods are a smart way to make meals and snacks healthier. They include:

  • Protein and fiber-rich beans, whole grains and nuts.
  • Brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
  • Lean proteins like meat, poultry and fish; eggs; and dairy- or plant-based milk, yogurt and cheese. Aim for 5 to 5½ ounces total each day.

If all this has sparked your appetite to learn more about getting better nutrition as you get older, take a moment to explore more information on overcoming age-related nutrition challenges.

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