Fear of taste (geumophobia)

Geumophobia is a fear of taste, or of tasting things. It might mean sticking to a few familiar flavours, dreading new or strong tastes, or feeling anxious before eating something unknown. If it means eating much less or losing weight, speak to a GP.

About this phobia

Geumophobia is a rarely reported term found mainly on lists of phobias, with very little clinical writing about it. It sits near better-known patterns such as cibophobia, a fear of food, and food neophobia, a reluctance to try new foods. A sudden change in how things taste can have medical causes, so that is always worth checking with a GP.

What it feels like

• Dread before trying a new dish or drink
• Strong reactions to bitter, sour or spicy flavours
• Sticking to plain, familiar food to avoid surprises

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is fear of taste the same as being a fussy eater?

There can be overlap, but a phobia involves real anxiety rather than simple dislike. Some adults with a very limited range of foods may be experiencing something more specific, such as ARFID, which a GP can assess. Asking for help is reasonable at any age.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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