People who like coffee and beer prefer the sensation to taste

When we think about why we like a particular drink or food, your mind is probably going to like it. Either we like the taste, or we do not like it, right? Not so fast. According to a new study published in Human molecular genetics, our preference for bitter drinks – think black coffee, beer or soft drinks – has more to do with how these drinks make us feel.

To test this, the researchers analyzed data on people who drank bitter drinks such as coffee, tea and grapefruit juice. They performed a genome-wide test, that is, a complete analysis of the entire genome of the person, and revealed that the taste preference was not based on variations of taste genes. Instead, preferences were based on genes related to the psychoactive effects of beverages.

"The genetics that underlie our preferences is related to the psychoactive components of these beverages," said Marilyn Cornelis, assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, in a statement. "People like what coffee and alcohol make them feel, that's why they drink it, it's not their taste."

If our drinking preferences are more about what they make us feel, it's worth thinking about. Why we take this cup of Joe. When it comes to coffee, people usually look for this caffeine-induced energetic buzz and, with alcohol, the researchers cited its soothing effects.

There is nothing wrong with having a drink, but if you are trying to reduce your caffeine intake, for example, consider other options that could make you feel as good. Get creative, and the next time you're about to sip, ask yourself if really like the taste or it's just the feeling.