Is this spicy? Investigation of factors that influence spicy food choices by US older adults

Patrycja Urszula Zukowska, Bryan Michael L. Pepito, Helena Maria Andre Bolini, Carolyn F. Ross

Introduction
The inclusion of spicy compounds in the older adult diet can promote interest, appetite, and health benefits of this growing population. The objective of this study was to increase the understanding of the concept of “spicy” by US older adults, considering factors that influence spicy food preferences.

Materials and Methods
Respondents (n = 656; average age = 65.7 years) completed an online survey of 70 questions including spicy-specific questions.

Results
In general, respondents enjoyed spicy foods, with moderate spicy preference and spicy consumption (2-3x per week on average). When defining “spicy” in foods, respondents used terms such as hot, burn, pepper; ginger was also used as being associated with health benefits. An increased consumption of spicy foods was associated with higher spicy liking and spicy preferences (p < 0.0001). Respondents who had higher spicy liking were less likely to report hot and tingling as physiological sensations perceived during consumption of spicy foods while respondents who perceived more burning, stinging, prickling and nasal irritation sensations had lower spicy preference (p < 0.01). Respondents who liked spicy foods had associated positive emotions of adventurous (39.3%) and satisfied (29.7%) (p < 0.0001) while respondents who did not like spicy foods cited more negative emotions, including worried and wild (13.3%; p < 0.001). Liking of spicy foods and spicy preferences was positively related to frequency of travel and cuisine preference.

Discussion
The population of older adults is increasing and one way to increase the interest, tastiness, and health benefits of meals designed for this population is through the addition of spicy compounds to their diet. The results of this study demonstrate the interplay between sensory perceptions, emotions, psychosocial factors and spicy food preferences in older adults. The results from this study may contribute to the development of spicy sauces and meals or older adults, designed with a positive sensory experience in mind.

Reference
Żukowska, PU, Pepito, BML, Bolini, HMA, Ross, CF. Is this spicy? Investigation of factors that influence spicy food choices by US older adults. 129:105515. 2025. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105515