All Stolen? Why Someone Else’s Fries Taste Better

The Editors, 06.05.2026

Fries are fries — or so one might think. But a new study suggests that taste is influenced not only by the food itself, but also by how we get it. Sometimes, a small act of rule-breaking can make all the difference.

The idea is familiar: what we are not supposed to have often seems especially appealing. And apparently, this does not only apply metaphorically, but also quite literally when it comes to food. It turns out that not only “stolen bread” or “forbidden fruit” taste better — but also fries swiped from someone else’s plate.

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All Stolen? Why Someone Else’s Fries Taste Better