What we eat tells a lot about who we are

Fifty-five percent of Americans who prefer savory flavors (as opposed to tart, sweet, or spicy) own dogs.

Sixty-one percent of Americans who would rather eat something tart are more likely to buy environmentally friendly products. And they are five times as likely to drive a hybrid or alternative-fuel car than those who like other flavors.

These fascinating statistics (well, they're fascinating to me, but I'm a total geek) come to us courtesy of Lawry's, the people who make seasoned salt and other products. They surveyed 1,000 American adults to see if they could determine the personalities and preferences of people based on their favorite kind of flavors.

You might expect them to come up with obvious character traits to match the palate. You know: people who like sweet foods are nice and kind, people preferring their foods spicy are the best lovers. Stuff like that.

But the responses they uncovered are surprising enough and cover a wide enough spectrum that even a confirmed cynic might be tempted to believe there is some truth to them.

People who prefer spicy flavors, for instance, are said to be the most confident and self-assured. They are the most athletic, the most entrepreneurial, the most impulsive, and the biggest risk takers - they are almost twice as likely to take risks than the more cautious fans of sweet and savory flavors.

The spicy group also tends to know the most about technology and they prefer movies with action and adventure or science-fiction and fantasy films.

According to this survey, those people who like savory flavors are likely to be introverted, unadventurous, cautious. They are most interested in reality TV shows, and are most likely to say they are homebodies.

On the other hand, this savory group also tends to be passionate about politics. They like to go camping and hiking, and are particularly fond of outdoor barbecues.

People who prefer sweet flavors find their lives are most often centered around their homes and their families. In fact, they are most likely to say their preferences in taste were influenced by their parents. They are religious and spiritual, and tend to be modest, loyal, and kind-hearted.

The sweet-toothed among us are not risk-takers and say they travel less than the other groups. They are less likely to be involved in social-networking groups online, and prefer to watch romantic comedies and to read romance novels.

The largest group among those surveyed said they like their flavors tart. This group was revealed to be funny and playful, the most relaxed and least stressed of all the respondents. They are extroverts, taking part in community events and entertaining at home.

The tart group also tends to be happy with their lives, perhaps because they are also creative. They like to express themselves through art, through fashion, and through music. And they are also the most passionate about charitable causes.

Part of me is unconvinced about these results - they remind me too much of astrology or the predictions of fortune cookies. And part of me looks with trepidation and dread at how they will be used as a marketing tool.

But one last part of me thinks they finally prove the truth of that old adage: You are what you eat.

Contact Daniel Neman at:

dneman@theblade.com

or 419-724-6155.