Are you Born To Be A Baker?
Is baking in your genes?
Warburtons and Living DNA have partnered to develop the first genetic test to uncover whether you are….born to be a baker.
The first 100 customers will get their kits for free, simply use the code BORNTOBAKE at checkout.
£89 + shipping
Celebrate 150 years of Warburtons, the UK’s largest bakery, and discover if baking is in your DNA
Together, we are exploring the fascinating link between our DNA and whether or not we have a natural talent for baking.
Our unique genetic test will analyse your DNA for key traits crucial for baking success.
Your DNA will be analysed across a set of genetic markers spanning 4 categories; taste sensitivity, olfactory response, metabolic processing and motor handling. This will show what your genome reveals about your natural baking potential.
A partnership made in your DNA
Throughout 2026, Warburtons proudly celebrates an incredible 150 years of baking heritage. As part of this landmark year, it's on a delicious mission to discover whether baking is truly in your DNA.
Do you have a natural flair for flavour? An instinct for the perfect balance of taste and texture?
This year, we’re inviting the nation to uncover the flavours and talents woven into their heritage — because great baking could be more than a passion… it could be in your DNA.
Taste Sensitivity
Taste sensitivity plays an important role in baking. It affects how we perceive sweetness, bitterness, and balance in flavours.
A more sensitive palate can help bakers fine-tune recipes, adjust ingredients, and notice subtle differences in taste.
Smell Sensitivity
Aroma plays a huge role in how flavour is experienced.
A heightened sense of smell can help bakers recognise when ingredients are fresh, detect subtle flavour notes as a bake develops, and know exactly when something is perfectly baked.
Understanding your smell sensitivity can help you create bakes that are richer, more balanced, and full of irresistible aroma.
Are you one of the first 100 customers? Use discount code BORNTOBAKE at checkout to get your free kit.
£89 + shipping
Metabolism
Understanding how your metabolism processes substances like caffeine and lactose can be especially helpful in baking.
It can influence how ingredients affect your energy levels, digestion, and overall comfort while baking — particularly during long baking sessions or recipe testing.
Knowing what works best for your body helps you make smarter ingredient choices and bake with greater confidence and enjoyment.
Manual Handling
Manual handling is an important part of baking, from kneading dough and mixing ingredients.
Understanding your natural strength, endurance, and body mechanics can help you work more efficiently in the kitchen.
By being aware of how your body handles physical tasks, you can reduce fatigue, prevent strain, and enjoy baking for longer — all while creating perfect bakes.
Born to be a Baker FAQs
Taking your sample is fast and painless. No eating or drinking an hour before swabbing, except water.
Simply swab the inner cheek of your mouth for 45-60 seconds and pop your swab into the rapidri pouch. Ensure the pouch is sealed with the identification sticker.
Pop it in the returns bag and into the post.
At Living DNA we take the job of being custodians of your data very seriously. We’re committed to your privacy and security at all times. To find out more about how we handle your data visit our privacy pages.
The results of your test will be released in your secure online portal. You create an account to access these using your email address and a password of your choice. There is 2 step authentication as part of the log in process so you must ensure you use an email address you can access.
You will find your bakers results under the health tab using the main navigation bar at the top of your portal screen. You can also access it by clicking explore on the bakers overview on the main dashboard.
We’ve split the Bakers Traits into 4 sections, each covering one specific aspect of baking. Within each section, you will find a number of traits specific to that section, and an overall score. We’ll tot up your scores to bring you your overall score.
Taste Sensitivity
Taste perception is a fundamental skill in baking. While flavour pairings and techniques can be taught, a natural sensitivity to taste can give some bakers an edge.
The Bakers Traits test measures:
Bitter Perception, Fat Perception, Salt Taste Sensitivity, Umami Taste Sensitivity, Sour Taste Sensitivity,Sweet Sensitivity, Sweet Taste Preference
Smell Sensitivity
Smell sensitivity plays a powerful role in how we experience flavour. Much of what we “taste” actually comes from our ability to smell. In the kitchen, this skill can be a real advantage. Some bakers instinctively know when a cake is perfectly baked before the timer even sounds, guided not just by sight, but by aroma.
The Bakers Traits test measures:
Vanilla Smell Sensitivity, Beta-ionine Smell Sensitivity, Cinnamon Smell Sensitivity, Liquorice Smell Sensitivity, C3HEX Smell Sensitivity
Metabolism
Metabolism is the system responsible for breaking down food and converting it into energy. Your DNA plays a role in how efficiently this process works, influencing how your body responds to different nutrients. If your body processes components such as dairy, gluten and sugars efficiently, you may feel more comfortable sampling your creations as you fine-tune flavours and textures.
The Bakers Traits test measures:
Caffeine Metabolism, Gluten Metabolism, Lactose Metabolism, Starch Metabolism
Handling
Baking is far from a sedentary hobby. It takes energy, coordination and physical effort to knead dough or whisk eggs. From lifting and stirring to mixing and kneading, the kitchen is full of hands-on skill.
The Bakers Traits test measures:
Grip and Power, Heat and Pain Tolerance, Motor Learning Plasticity, Motor Control
Once the sample has arrived at the laboratory the testing takes 2 - 4 weeks for the results to be available within your portal.
The Born To Be a Baker kit provides a unique look at what your DNA can tell you about multiple traits linked to baking ability. With this kit you will understand how your taste, smell, metabolism and manual handing combines to unlock what your DNA can reveal about your Baking ability.
