Deck Review: Taste Buddies Tarot
- Artist: M. Scorch
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (https://www.usgamesinc.com/)
- Publication Date: September 2026
- RRP: US$19.95; UK retailer listings: £15.99–£23
- ISBN: 978-1-64671-290-8 Reviewed by: Jennifer Young
Taste Buddies Tarot, by M. Scorch and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (https://www.usgamesinc.com/), is the positive little deck I didn’t know I needed. The food-themed cards are playful, and the white booklet is fantastic. Its meanings feel approachable, positive, and constructive.
Don’t let the simple food-inspired theme fool you: the imagery is carefully thought out, with details that connect to each card’s particular tarot meaning. One example I loved is the Spice card, which represents Death in traditional tarot. It shows two jalapeño peppers, and the booklet connects the card with change, offering a fresh way to explore a familiar tarot meaning. That thoughtful choice gives the card its own character while keeping it connected to an idea tarot readers will recognize.
The artwork is playful and full of charm, with cheerful colors, cute little faces, and fun food illustrations. To me, these pictures appeal to the hungry 10-year-old in all of us. They make the deck feel joyful and inviting, and the small details give the cards a distinctive personality.
I’ve been obsessed with tarot for the last couple of years, and this deck gave my readings a different flavor. I found it helped me put a more positive spin on things and look for a constructive way forward. Seeing familiar tarot ideas presented with a lighter touch gave me a refreshing change of perspective from the decks I usually use.
As for limitations, this wouldn’t be my go-to deck for deep meditation or for exploring very serious or adult topics. Its playful food imagery and upbeat tone make it feel better suited to lighter, more constructive readings. That is the kind of atmosphere I want from a deck; I still enjoy what Taste Buddies Tarot brings to the readings where it feels like a good fit.
The white booklet is one of my favorite parts of the set. Its explanations are approachable and easy to engage with, and they help connect the food-inspired images to the cards’ tarot meanings. I appreciate that the interpretations feel encouraging without seeming thoughtless. The booklet provides a friendly way to explore the cards, whether you’re new to tarot or already know your way around a deck.
The cards feel solid rather than flimsy. They’re small and slightly squarish, a size I think would be especially comfortable for small hands to shuffle. The sturdy, colorful tin keeps the cards protected and makes the set especially appealing as a gift for younger tarot fans.
The U.S. list price is US$19.95, and the UK retailers I found list it for between £15.99 and £23, depending on the shop. Considering the colorful cards, sturdy little tin, and lovely white booklet, I feel it’s good value. Together, the cards and booklet feel like a little piece of art.
I especially recommend Taste Buddies Tarot to young people and anyone new to tarot. I would have loved to receive it as a gift when I was a child. Its cheerful presentation makes the deck inviting, while the booklet offers a friendly starting point for getting acquainted with the cards. Experienced readers may also enjoy it when they want a lighter perspective or a change of pace.
Taste Buddies Tarot is a thoughtful, welcoming deck with a playful theme and an excellent booklet. I’m glad to have this positive little deck in my collection, and I think it would make a lovely gift for a young person, a new tarot reader, or anyone who would enjoy a cheerful take on familiar tarot meanings.
About the Creator:
Based in New York state, M. Scorch is an artist with a love for inspirational products. After studying illustration and graphic design in college, M. Scorch set out to create tarot decks filled with positivity and soft symbolism. Her work is designed to make tarot feel fun, cozy, and welcoming, especially for beginners.
Taste Buddies is now available for purchase from US GAMES here, and from all good online bookstores.
