Must One Recite a Bracha Before Tasting Food?

If one tastes some food or drink purely for the purpose of tasting, and not for enjoyment, is he required to recite a Bracha? This issue is subject to a debate among the Rishonim (Medieval Halachic authorities). The Rambam ruled in Hilchot Brachot that one does not recite a Bracha before tasting food, whereas Tosefot in Masechet Berachot held that one indeed recites a Bracha in such a case. The Shulchan Aruch codifies the position of the Rambam, that one does not recite a Bracha before tasting food even if he swallows, and then adds that some authorities disagree and require reciting a Bracha in this case. There is a standard rule that when the Shulchan Aruch codifies a certain ruling and then mentions the opposing view, he sides with the first ruling. Hence, the accepted position is that of the Rambam, that one does not recite a Bracha if he tastes food or drink strictly for the purpose of tasting, even if he swallows the food or drink. Assuming he eats an amount less than a “Ke’zayit” or drinks less than a “Revi’it,” he does not recite a Bracha Achrona after tasting, either. Nevertheless, Rabbi Moshe Halevi, in his work “Birkat Hashem,” advises that one should preferably avoid such situations, and expel the food or drink from his mouth after tasting it. Since by swallowing the food one subjects himself to this debate among the Rishonim, it is preferable not to swallow the food so that no Bracha is required according to all opinions.

Summary: A person who eats some food or drink purely for the sake of tasting, and not to derive enjoyment from the food or drink, does not recite a Bracha before tasting. If he eats less than a “Ke’zayit” or drinks less than a “Revi’it,” he does not recite a Bracha Acharona after tasting, either. Preferably, however, a person who tastes food or drink should expel it from his mouth and not swallow it, given the different views among the authorities on this issue.

By Rabbi Eli Mansour