Set out small samples of several different snacks or foods, then blindfold the taster and have them sample each one in turn, ranking them from favourite to least favourite based on taste alone. Reveal the ranking and compare it to what they expected before starting.
What you need
- small samples of 4-6 different foods or snacks
- a blindfold
How to do it
- 1Set out small samples of 4-6 different foods, keeping them out of sight from the taster.
- 2Blindfold the taster and hand over each sample one at a time on a spoon or in a small cup.
- 3After each taste, ask them to rank it against the ones already tried.
- 4Remove the blindfold at the end and reveal the full lineup, comparing the final ranking to their guesses.
Variations
- If a full blindfold feels like too much: closing eyes tightly for each taste works just as well.
- How it ends: announcing the final ranked list out loud, with reasons for the top pick, wraps the tasting up.
💡 Parent tip
Include one genuinely surprising or unusual (but safe) food in the lineup -- guessing what it is by taste alone is often the highlight of the round.
What your child develops
- Sensory focus — removing sight sharpens attention to taste and texture specifically
- Descriptive language — explaining why one food ranks above another builds precise vocabulary
- Comparative reasoning — ranking multiple items against each other rather than judging in isolation
Safety notes
- Check for any food allergies before selecting samples.
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