Guessing
Blind Taste Test
Also called Taste Test Challenge, Guess the Flavor, Mystery Food
Blindfolded players taste small bites of food or drink and guess what each one is.
- people
- 4–30
- time
- 15 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Cheap to buy
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Portion each item into numbered cups behind a screen so contestants cannot see them. Ask every contestant about allergies and diet before they are blindfolded.
- 1Each team sends one blindfolded taster to the table.
- 2The host hands the taster a spoon or cup; they feed themselves and have ten seconds to guess.
- 3A correct guess scores a point. Rinse with water before the next item.
- 4Rotate tasters each round. The team with the most correct guesses wins.
What to say3
- 1“Blindfold on. No peeking — I'm watching you!”
- 2“Number three… what is it? Ten seconds!”
- 3“Take off the blindfold and see what you just ate!”
Host tips3
- Gross-out items (fish sauce on a spoon, raw onion) get a laugh once, then guests refuse to play. Keep everything something people would normally enjoy.
- Allergies and diets get forgotten in the excitement. Write the full list of items on a card and show it to every taster before the blindfold goes on.
- Sharing spoons is the fastest way to lose a germ-conscious room. Use a fresh spoon or cup for every single taste.
Variants2
Brand battle
Two brands of the same thing — cola, instant noodles, peanut butter — and the taster names which brand is which.
Noses only
Smell the item instead of eating it. A safer option for allergy-heavy groups or when food is not allowed.
Safety4
- Allergies: shrimp crackers, peanuts, nuts, dairy and wheat are common snack ingredients — check every guest and every label.
- Choking: no whole grapes, hard candy, or nuts for young kids; small, soft bites only.
- Respect religious and dietary rules: no pork, beef or alcohol unless the taster has said yes.
- Players feed themselves; nobody puts food into a blindfolded person's mouth.
Good for
Occasions
BirthdayChristmasTeam buildingReunionBaby shower
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hall