Most people dislike coffee at first and learn to love it, and scientists now say the reason may be a slow dopamine signal from the gut that teaches the brain to like flavours linked with calories, even bitter ones

In brief

Researchers have discovered that our tastes for certain foods, even those that might initially be bitter, shift as we grow. The gut sends vital signals to our brain about what we eat, influencing our cravings through dopamine, which is known for its role in reward and motivation. Consequently, this insight provides a fascinating explanation for why we often learn to appreciate flavors such as coffee.