rantaste

Rantaste is a term used in online food commentary to describe a style of criticism that combines tasting notes with extended rants about related topics, ranging from culinary policy to personal anecdotes. The term is a portmanteau of rant and taste and has appeared in online discussions and video content since the late 2010s.

In practice, rantaste involves interleaving sensory evaluation—such as aroma, texture, and flavor balance—with rhetorical digressions. Creators may structure segments around a dish or product while interjecting opinions about sourcing, industry practices, or broader social issues. The approach is common on platforms that emphasize personality and pacing, including video blogs, live streams, and audio podcasts, where the critic’s delivery and demeanor are part of the experience.

Reception to rantaste is mixed. Proponents argue that the format makes criticism more engaging and transparent, revealing the critic’s biases and contextual viewpoints. Critics, however, contend that it can obscure objective tasting notes, elevate performative intensity over palate analysis, and deter audiences seeking neutral, evidence-based evaluation. The usage of the term remains largely within online communities and among independent content creators, and it does not have formal recognition in traditional culinary disciplines.

See also: food criticism, online video culture, tasting notes, rant, audience engagement.