Taste Tests
Taste Tests
Taste tests are an exciting opportunity for students to try new foods and share their opinions. In this way, student voice and choice are strongly represented in taste test results, which have proven to be an authentic tool for developing new menu items for school nutrition programs that students will enjoy.
If you are interested in hosting a taste test with students, a great place to start is by reviewing the Taste Test Guide handout, which walks schools through planning considerations and tips for success. From gathering support to celebrating the results, the Taste Test Guide provides helpful information on how to engage your school community and beyond to support successful taste tests with students. By using this tool, the hope is that you will feel confident planning and implementing a taste test that can bring your school community together to celebrate the value of being willing to try new food.
Taste Tests Resources
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture facilitated a conversation with Stephanie Bolin, a FoodCorps Arkansas Service Member. View the webinar recording to hear Stephanie share her experience hosting taste tests at two schools and how students have been positively impacted by them!
FoodCorps is a national nonprofit that works to connect kids to healthy foods in schools. FoodCorps has created a guide about conducting successful taste tests. We encourage you to check it out!
The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), part of the School of Applied Sciences at The University of Mississippi, is the only federally funded national center dedicated to supporting child nutrition programs. Check out their Child Nutrition Recipe Box for large quantity, nutritious recipes!
Arkansas Taste Tests in Action
