Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you feel when food looks dull or has no color?
- If you could change the color of any food, what would you change and why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- appealing /uh-PEE-ling/
- vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt /
- processed /PROH-sest/
- fruitiness /FROO-tee-nuhs/
- colorant /KUHL-er-uhnt/
[adjective] – attractive or interesting
The new smartphone design is more appealing to younger consumers because of its sleek look.
[adjective] – bright and full of energy or life
Her paintings are full of vibrant colors that bring a sense of joy and excitement.
[adjective] – changed or treated through a series of steps, often in manufacturing
Many people try to avoid processed snacks because they often contain artificial ingredients.
[noun] – the quality of tasting or smelling like fruit
The wine’s fruitiness comes from the ripe berries used in its production.
[noun] – a substance used to add or change color
Some makeup brands use natural colorants instead of synthetic dyes in their products.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The color of food plays a big role in how people see it, influencing what they buy and how they expect it to taste. For centuries, both natural and artificial colorings have been used to make food and drinks look more appealing. In the 19th century, artificial dyes became common in food production, helping companies create consistent and vibrant colors. In the U.S., synthetic dyes have been widely used in processed foods like candies and soft drinks to make them look fresher and more attractive. However, concerns about health risks have led to stricter regulations. Recently, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in certain products due to possible cancer risks, sparking debates about food safety and artificial additives.
Color strongly affects how people perceive food. Studies show that bright colors can make food seem sweeter, spicier, or fresher. Experts say that people often judge a product by its color before even tasting it. For example, red is linked to bold flavors, while yellow and orange suggest fruitiness. Cultural differences also shape color preferences. Even the color of packaging or plates can influence how much people eat. As food technology advances, natural colorants from plants and minerals are becoming popular as safer alternatives, though achieving the same bright colors remains a challenge.
Color strongly affects how people perceive food. Studies show that bright colors can make food seem sweeter, spicier, or fresher. Experts say that people often judge a product by its color before even tasting it. For example, red is linked to bold flavors, while yellow and orange suggest fruitiness. Cultural differences also shape color preferences. Even the color of packaging or plates can influence how much people eat. As food technology advances, natural colorants from plants and minerals are becoming popular as safer alternatives, though achieving the same bright colors remains a challenge.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why do people expect food to taste a certain way based on its color?
- What are two types of colorings that have been used in food for centuries?
- Why did artificial dyes become common in the 19th century?
- What is the reason for stricter regulations on food colorings?
- What types of processed foods in the U.S. commonly use synthetic dyes?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever bought food because of its color? If so, what was the food, and did it taste as you expected? If not, what is more important to you when choosing food?
- Have you ever eaten food that looked different from what you expected? If so, what was it, and how did it taste? If not, would you try food that has an unusual color?
- Do you agree that food color can change how people think it will taste?
- Why do you think some people prefer brightly colored food, while others do not?
- Should companies be allowed to use food color to make products more appealing? Why or why not?