A study of 2,000 adults revealed almost a third (30 per cent) reckon your taste buds fully mature as you go through your 20s.
Cultural exposure is key according to 53 per cent, with travel opening doors to new flavours, while 36 per cent believe they’ve become more adventurous with age.
While the cuisine of choice for 53 per cent is Italian, with 83 per cent claiming food plays an important part in their travels.
CHICK ‘N’ DIP from Domino’s commissioned the study ahead of the launch of its chicken tenders, wings and boneless bites – plus nine globally inspired dips – to its stores across the UK and Ireland, from Monday 9th February.
Izzy Gardener from the brand said: “Travel plays an important role in our exposure to new flavours, often the first question asked by family and friends when you return is ‘how was the food?’.
“Getting abroad and trying all of these flavours is a great way of experiencing local culture, we’ve aimed to make that accessible for everyone with this offering which is inspired by world flavours.”
The research went on to find 10 per cent will try something new a few times a week, with this rising to 21 per cent of Gen Z.
And one in seven (13 per cent) have tried new flavours after seeing someone sample them on TikTok.
But 53 per cent believe tastebuds change over time and 37 per cent admitted that when they try something new, they often like it.
Curiosity was revealed as the biggest motivation behind trying something new (41 per cent), but 29 per cent are encouraged by a recommendation from others.
The average Brit will also travel abroad once a year and return with £36 in leftover currency.
And when they do try something different, 31 per cent feel excited before experiencing it, whereas 21 per cent usually feel apprehensive.
The OnePoll.com study also looked at general eating habits, with 31 per cent adding condiments to ‘most’ meals, although 40 per cent feel it’s unacceptable to double dip.
Izzy Gardener added: “As tastes evolve, people are becoming more open to experimenting with flavour, often inspired by travel, social influence and a desire for variety.
“Dips are the vehicle through which customers can explore different global tastes in one order, making it easy to mix, match and discover new flavours while enjoying their freshly baked chicken.”
