Why does ketchup taste weird with a cold?

A cold temporarily damages your sense of smell and thus your ability to perceive flavor. According to the American Rhinologic Society, “The common cold (also called an upper respiratory infection) often causes inflammation in the nose impairing smell via swelling and obstruction.”

What does it mean if ketchup tastes sour?

Discard ketchup if there’s mold, it smell sour or yeast-like, or the taste is off. Darkening and some separation are fine, but make sure to check if taste is still good enough. Unopened ketchup can sit at room temperature. Once you open the bottle, refrigerate it to retain the best quality for longest.

Why does food taste weird when you’re sick?

People who develop a bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the gums, mouth or throat may experience swelling. This swelling can lead to reduced blood flow to the taste buds, altering your sense of taste.

Can being sick change your taste buds?

Viral or bacterial infections These symptoms can reduce your sense of smell, which in turn can impact your perception of taste. Although it may seem as if your taste buds have stopped working when you’re sick with a cold or the flu, the truth is that your sense of taste isn’t nearly as good without your sense of smell.