Eli5: Do our tastebuds actually “change” as we get older? Who do kids dislike a certain food, then start liking it as an adult?

Question

When I was a kid, I did not like spicy food. Now an adult, I love it.

In: 2025

Answer 1

I’m not sure if it’s a taste buds changing or in my case just being more open minded and trying stuff or maybe a combo of both. As a kid I dismissed a lot of food I love now simply on looks. Hated Chinese, Indian food, Mexican food unless it’s a plain taco, and vegetables. Got older and was open to trying things sometimes for the first time and now I like broccoli. Who knew.