Why the Same Drink Just Tastes Better in a Nice Cup

We've noticed something interesting in our daily lives. The same iced tea, coffee, or even soda can taste completely different depending on the cup we use. It might sound strange, but science backs it up.

How Color Changes What We Taste

According to research in Flavour, coffee tastes stronger and more bitter in a white mug compared to a clear or blue one [1]. Our brains associate cup colours with flavour. White cups make drinks look darker and stronger, while clear or coloured cups enhance sweetness.

Why Cup Shape Makes a Difference

Cup shape significantly influences aroma and taste. In coffee tastings, tulip-shaped cups enhanced aroma, while special "split" cups highlighted sweetness and acidity [2]. Wine experts use similar techniques, choosing specific glass shapes to enhance aroma and flavour [3]. 

The Surprising Impact of Material and Texture

Material matters as much as appearance. Glass and ceramic cups feel clean and neutral. Plastic can absorb odours, and metal cups might leave behind subtle tastes [4]. Even rim texture matters: smooth edges make drinks taste sweeter, while rough edges emphasize bitterness [5].

Cultural Influence on Cup Design

Different cultures have distinct expectations about cup design. Studies comparing drinkers from China, Colombia, and the UK showed people expect narrower mugs to enhance aroma, shorter mugs to taste stronger and more bitter, and wider mugs to feel sweeter [2]. Interestingly, British drinkers anticipated their beverages would be hotter compared to participants from China and Colombia. This demonstrates how deeply our cultural habits influence taste perceptions.

Some Fun Everyday Examples

• Clear glasses make iced tea feel fresh and bright.
• Thick ceramic mugs add coziness to hot chocolate.
• Heavy porcelain feels just right for strong coffee.
• Drinking soda from a tall, thin glass somehow feels more refreshing.
• Warm tea tastes gentler in wide, shallow cups.
• Juice in coloured cups can actually taste sweeter.
• Holding a textured ceramic cup turns morning coffee into a calming ritual.
• Wine feels more elegant in thin, delicate glassware.
• A chunky stoneware mug makes afternoon coffee breaks feel relaxed and casual.

These little everyday details add fun and joy to something as simple as drinking a beverage.

Quick Experiment to Try at Home

1. Pour the same drink into two cups (different in colour, shape, or material).
2. Sip each one slowly, noticing aroma, sweetness, warmth, and texture.
3. Compare experiences. Which cup surprised you?

We’d love to hear your discoveries! Send us an email at info@untable.ca, or follow us and share your experience on Instagram @untable.ca.

Taste involves more than just the drink itself. Color, shape, material, touch, and even cultural memory influence every sip. Cups aren't just containers; they subtly shape our everyday experiences, making life a bit more delightful.

At UNTABLE, we carefully choose pieces that celebrate these small details, blending creativity and joy into your daily routine, because every sip matters.

Enjoy discovering your next favourite cup!

References

1. Van Doorn, G., Wuillemin, D., & Spence, C. (2014). Does the colour of the mug influence the taste of the coffee? Flavour, 3(1), 10.
   https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-3-10
2. Van Doorn, G., Woods, A. T., Levitan, C. A., Wan, X., Velasco, C., Bernal-Torres, C., & Spence, C. (2017). Does the shape of a cup influence coffee taste expectations? A cross-cultural online study. Food Quality and Preference, 56, 201-211.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2016.10.013
3. Spence, C., & Van Doorn, G. (2017). Does the shape of the drinking receptacle influence taste/flavour perception? A review. Beverages, 3(3), 33.
   https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/3/3/33
4. Piqueras-Fiszman, B., & Spence, C. (2012). The influence of the feel of product packaging on the perception of the oral-somatosensory texture of food. Food Quality and Preference, 26(1), 67‑73.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329312000769
5. Carvalho, F. M., & Spence, C. (2018). The shape of the cup influences aroma, taste, and hedonic judgements of specialty coffee. Food Quality and Preference, 68, 315-321.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.04.003