“Supernormal stimulus” is the
science-y term for something so
exaggerated that we prefer it to
reality—even when we know it’s
fake. A supernormal food
stimulus arouses our taste
receptors more intensely than
anything found in nature. Candy
is far sweeter than fruit. Onion
rings are fattier and saltier than
onions. Sweet-and-sour pork is
sweeter, fattier, and saltier than
actual pork. And Franken-foods
like Twinkies and Oreos
outcompete any taste found in
nature, which is, of course,
exactly why we prefer them.
These supernormal stimuli are
like the Las Vegas Strip of foods.
Dazzling! Exotic! Extreme! But
entirely contrived. Not at all
realistic. Totally overwhelming.
grace
(Grace)
#1