Visual Taste: The Impact of Plate-Setting on Food Perception

Many studies with empirical evidence have supported the claim that pre-assumptions about the flavor, texture, portion size, freshness, ripeness, and even nutrient information of food could be estimated just by a glance without actual biting. The perception of food can rely on visual cues, thereby influencing final choices and eating behavior. Plate-setting as an inextricable part of food-related vision plays an important role, hence, this article focused on plate-setting, including the plating and plateware, to explore the potential of using visual cues to promote dietary health. Visual studies and psychological experiments on food perception and eating behavior were reviewed to elaborate the visual impact of plate-setting on portion size, preference, flavor perception and health awareness. This in-depth understanding of the visual characteristics from food images analysis suggests that plate-setting has the potential to promote dietary health via applying appropriate perceptual visual cues. Therefore, this can be regarded as an emerging value for food design, while simultaneously honoring traditional chef expertise.