Study: Personality traits linked to Mexican food preferences

Study: Personality traits linked to Mexican food preferences
Tags: Food & Beverage, Fresh Mex
February 6, 2008

DENVER — The results of a new Mexican food "Q-dentity" study, conducted by Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, on behalf of Qdoba Mexican Grill, has been released.

For the study, Hirsch's team interviewed more than 2,500 men and women between the ages of 21 and 70 in 11 cities across the United States. Subjects were asked more than 2,000 questions to get a sense for their personality as well as asked which Mexican food they preferred: taco, burrito, quesadilla, taco salad, nachos or chips and salsa.

Following are Mexican food preferences and personalities and romantic matches from Dr. Hirsch's report:

Taco: People who prefer tacos are conscientious and perfectionists and are ideal workers. They are the master of their domain and can become so engrossed in work that they are often forced to sacrifice time with family and friends. Some examples of this personality include: John Turturro as Sid Lidz in "Unstrung Heroes"; America Ferrera as Betty Suarez in "Ugly Betty"; Larry Linville as Major Frank Burns in the series "MASH"; and Tony Randall as Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." People who prefer tacos are most romantically compatible with those who prefer quesadillas.

Quesadilla: Those who prefer quesadillas are content being one of the crowd; they are loyal followers more than leaders. At work they are the foot soldiers, task-oriented, functioning ideally in a group. They don't require individual praise, but share their successes with those around them. In romantic relationships they invest extraordinary effort and energy to ensure the relationship's vitality and stability. Some examples of this personality include: Talia Shire as Adrianne in "Rocky" and Bill Murray as Bob Wiley in "What About Bob?" Those who prefer quesadillas are most romantically compatible with people who prefer tacos.

Chips and salsa: These people are aggressive, successful, achievement-orientated and natural leaders. Intolerant of defeat, those who prefer chips and salsa will not take "no" for an answer. They are decisive and persuasive at work, whereas in romance they are charming. Some examples of this personality include: Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina in "Ugly Betty"; Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestley in "The Devil Wears Prada"; or Nicholas Cage as Jack Campbell in "The Family Man." Chips-and-salsa people are most romantically compatible with others who also prefer chips and salsa.

Burrito: Burrito lovers are dramatic and love being the center of attention. They crave novelty, excitement and stimulation, and are gregarious, witty and charming in social situations. At work they are easily bored with usual routines and have a keen sense of new and up-and-coming trends. Some examples of burrito-loving personalities include: Owen Wilson as Dupree in "You, Me and Dupree"; Annette Benning as Carolyn Burnham in "American Beauty"; and Michel Serrault as ZaZa Napoli in "La Cage aux Folles." Burrito lovers are romantically compatible with everyone.

Taco salad: People who prefer taco salads are easy-going, well-adjusted, empathic, understanding, and are a perfect spouse, parent and ideal friend. Some examples of this personality are: Jon Cryer as Alan Harper in "Two and a Half Men" and Orlando Bloom as Will Turner in "Pirates of the Caribbean." People who prefer taco salads are most romantically compatible with those who prefer burritos.

Nachos: People who prefer nachos are shy, quiet, reserved and introverted. They are secure enough about their own identity that, to a great extent, they are oblivious to what others think of them. They are self-sufficient and most productive when allowed to work alone, uninterrupted. Some examples of this personality include: Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs in "The Devil Wears Prada" or Jenna Fischer as Pam in "The Office." Nacho fans are independent souls and often enjoy being single.

More information can be found at www.Qdoba.com/Qdentity.