Most people have witnessed this at least once. Two people order the exact same pizza. One person happily eats every single bite, including the crust. The other leaves a perfect ring of crust behind on the plate. The same thing happens with sandwiches, toast and loaves of bread. For years, people who avoid crust have been labeled as picky eaters or accused of having childish eating habits. But psychology suggests the explanation may be more complicated. The way humans experience food is influenced by biology, sensory preferences, memories and even reward systems inside the brain. In other words, the crust is not always the problem. The brain's interpretation of the crust may be.
Here is what psychology says may actually be happening.
Psychology says sensory processing may influence crust preferences
One of the biggest reasons some adults dislike crust comes down to sensory processing. Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives and interprets information from the environment. Every person experiences texture differently. Some people enjoy crispy, chewy and dense foods. Others prefer softer, more predictable textures.
The crust often has a completely different texture from the rest of the meal. Pizza crust can be chewy and dry. Bread crust can be harder and rougher. For some people, that sudden texture change interrupts the eating experience. Researchers from the American Psychological Association have frequently discussed how sensory preferences influence everyday behaviors, including eating habits.
