The 13th season finale of the popular cooking competition show, The Taste, culminated on December 18, 2024, with thrilling culinary displays and intense competition among participants. This year, Katja Baum from Team Yellow, led by Coach Alexander Herrmann, claimed victory, securing not only the title but also a prize package worth €50,000 and the opportunity to publish her own cookbook.
Broadcast on SAT.1, the final episode featured eight remaining contestants, each vying for their chance at culinary glory. This season's unique twist involved crafting dishes for the guest jurors—previous winners of The Taste—making the stakes even higher. The show's hosts welcomed twelve esteemed former champions back to the kitchen for the grand final, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
"Haltet euch bitte an euren Küchenplatten fest - hier sind alle Siegerinnen und Sieger aller zwölf Staffeln!" exclaimed presenter Angelina Kirsch, signaling the emotional reunion between past and present competitors. Herrmann, visibly moved, noted, "Gigantisch! Emotional ist das für mich ein sehr besonderer Moment" (Original quote in German: "Gigantisch! Emotional ist das für mich ein sehr besonderer Moment").
The format of the finale demanded maximum creativity and precision from the finalists. The challenges unfolded over three distinct rounds. The first round tasked contestants with cooking using twelve favorite ingredients selected by the guest jury. Contestants were not permitted to work with their coaches, highlighting their individual culinary skills.
After showcasing their abilities with the ingredients, the competition proceeded to the second round, where finalists recreated flavor profiles from past competition winners' dishes. This formidable task tested not only their cooking acumen but also their innovation and adaptation skills.
Finally, the decisive moment arrived as contestants devised their flavor combinations using their own 'golden spoons'—indicating their signature styles. Katja Baum impressed the jury with her creation, which featured the unique and seasonal flavors of carrot and apricot, described as her 'winterlich Orient-Löffel'.
"The Taste, das ist eine Magie und Verbundenheit, die lässt sich nicht mehr abstreifen," said Herrmann, encapsulating the show's emotional weight as he reflected on the competition's legacy.
Another contestant who participated was Franca from Team Green, whose performance showcased the diverse talents among the finalists. Other notable contenders included Tine, Stephanie, Craig, Diana, and Jacqueline—all bringing their culinary styles to the final showdown.
Despite the impressive performances, the night belonged to Baum, whose acute palate and creativity elevated her above her peers. Her winning dish will join the ranks of featured frozen products becoming available for retail, marking the connection between television cooking competitions and consumer products.
While audiences tuned in, The Taste managed to achieve respectable viewership numbers, garnering interest amid stiff competition. The show reached approximately 3.62 million viewers, outperforming some other programs during its time slot, even as it faced challenges from rival broadcasts like Bares für Rares and history-drama BACH – Ein Weihnachtswunder.
The finale was not just about the culmination of culinary talents but also about emotional farewells and reflections on the journeys of past winners. Collectively, these past champions and new friends reminded fans why they tune in season after season. From Lisa Angermann, who now runs her own Michelin-starred restaurant, to Gary Loen, who transitioned from florist to chef, each former champion's path underscored the transformative power of cooking.
The episode was available not only on SAT.1 but also on streaming platforms like Joyn, allowing viewers to relive the exciting finale. For those who missed it, the finale is set to be rebroadcast, offering another chance to celebrate the culinary arts showcased throughout the season.
With Katja Baum now crowned the champion of The Taste 2024, fans eagerly anticipate her future contributions to the culinary world and the exciting possibility of her cookbook. Her win signifies not only personal triumph but also inspires future contestants aiming for the coveted title.
