Earthy, bitter, and a little bit pungent. That’s how many first timers describe the taste of cbd oil. For those who only venture as far as the natural raw CBD oils, it can be enough to put them off CBD products for life.
Thankfully, there are ways to mask the unpleasant taste of hemp derived CBD products. In this guide, we will explore what CBD tastes like, where this flavour comes from, and introduce you to our flavoured broad spectrum CBD oil that taste great.
What does CBD taste like?
You might be surprised to learn that pure CBD doesn’t taste of anything. CBD isolate is a crystalline form of isolate cannabidiol, and it is completely flavourless. But most broad and full spectrum CBD has a rather distinctive taste, especially those that use a hemp oil base.
This applies to all unflavoured broad spectrum, and full spectrum CBD oils. When we talk about the “spectrum” of a product, this simply means that it also contains other cannabinoids, plus terpenes and flavonoids that are extracted from the hemp plant.
CBD oil flavours can vary between batches, and this is because CBD is a natural product. As a result, each batch of hemp plants will have a slightly different composition.
So, even if you buy two of the exact same product from the same company, it could have a slightly different flavour profile if it is from different batches.
CBD can have many different flavours, including:
- Earthy
- Piney
- Grassy
- Nutty
The choice of carrier oil will also significantly impact the flavour. The carrier oil makes up the bulk of the product, so it will naturally impact the flavour.
Organic MCT oil is the purest but will still carry a slightly nutty flavour. Hemp seed oil tends to be much earthier.
Why can CBD oil taste disgusting?
Some people like the earthy taste of CBD products, but we will admit it is an acquired taste. The taste doesn’t generally come from the cannabinoid compounds but the terpenes.
Terpenes are compounds found in plants that give them their distinct smell, flavour and even colour. Some of the most well-known terpenes are:
- Linalool, most commonly associated with lavender,
- Pinene, which gives pine trees their distinct scent,
- And limonene, which is responsible for the fresh citrus scent
In nature, terpenes can help protect plants by emitting smells and flavours that are bitter or unpleasant. They may also help to attract pollinators.
Terpenes are considered “bioactive”, which means that they affect the body. The effect will all depend on the type of terpene, the concentration and the amount used.
Terpenes are commonly used in aromatherapy. Inhaling these scents is thought to help affect mood and stress levels. Ingesting them may also offer additional benefits.
In CBD products, the bioactive effect of the cannabinoids, when combined with terpenes and flavonoids is known as the entourage effect.
Different Carrier Oils can effect the taste.
MCT Oil
MCT oil is a type of oil that is derived from coconut oil. Unlike other oils, MCT oil is composed of medium chain triglycerides, which the body can easily convert into ketones and use for energy. Additionally, MCT oil is an excellent carrier oil for CBD. Unlike other oils, MCT oil does not need to be heated in order to be effective. As a result, it can help to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes in CBD products. When used as a carrier oil, MCT oil can help to improve the absorption of CBD and make it more bioavailable.
It doesn’t have a particularly strong taste, meaning is also a great carrier oil, because it’s odourless and flavourless. This means that it won’t interfere with the taste of your oil, and it won’t add any unwanted flavours.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the name given to the additional benefits experienced when cannabinoids are enjoyed alongside other plant compounds from the hemp plant. Since plant terpenes and flavonoids have therapeutic benefits, it is thought that enjoying these alongside cannabinoids could offer additional benefits.
It’s also possible to select hemp strains that offer higher levels of particular terpenes to create a “designer” CBD product that may help with specific concerns.
For example, a CBD product designed to help boost relaxation and improve sleep might be rich in caryophyllene, nerolidol, myrcene and linalool. These particular terpenes have been identified as beneficial for sleep.
You can learn more about the entourage effect here: https://www.naturallycbd.co.uk/blog/learn-about-the-entourage-effect/
Is there a CBD oil that tastes good?
Yes, there are plenty of CBD oils that taste good – some would even be described as delicious! The taste can easily be masked using natural flavourings and high-quality carrier oil. The extraction method will also have a significant impact on the flavour of the oil.
Supercritical CO2 extraction offers the best flavour profile, as the plant waste and chlorophyll are removed entirely. Cold-pressed CBD and solvent extracted CBD will have a stronger and more earthy flavour since more of the plant material will be left behind.
To mask the taste of CBD entirely, you could also choose a flavoured CBD oil. There are so many flavours available now, but some are more effective than others for achieving the goal of producing a CBD oil that tastes good.
You should always look for natural flavours such as peppermint or lemon. This will ensure the ingredient list stays short, and you can avoid any unnecessary and artificial extras.
If you’ve already taken the plunge and purchased a natural flavoured CBD oil and are now wondering how to make it taste better, here are a few suggestions.
How can I make CBD taste better?
- Buy a flavoured cbd oil
- Add CBD oil to your favourite hot or cold drinks. This will help to mask the flavour. You could add it to your morning coffee, a post-workout smoothie, or your bedtime herbal tea.
- Bake or cook with your CBD oil; just be aware that very high temperatures will damage the cannabinoids.
- Choose CBD edibles instead of CBD oil. Edibles like CBD gummies are a delicious sweet treat that contains a perfect portion of CBD. CBD capsules are intended to be swallowed whole, just as you would a multivitamin, and are completely flavourless.
Final thoughts on finding a nice tasting CBD oil.
If the taste of CBD has put you off in the past, rest assured that you can find CBD oil that tastes good here at NaturallyCBD.
The plant compounds that contribute to the taste of CBD are no doubt beneficial, so instead of looking for CBD isolate, you should instead explore our broad spectrum flavoured CBD oils or CBD gummies.
The only instance where you should be concerned that your CBD tastes bad is if you suspect it may be rancid. In this case, purchase a new CBD oil and make sure you store it correctly and use it by the best before date to avoid the same fate.
Has my CBD oil gone off?
If your CBD oil used to taste nice but the flavour has changed, you might be wondering if it has gone off. This is certainly a possibility, particularly if it has been stored incorrectly.
CBD needs to be kept in its original bottle, as this will help to protect it from UV damage. It should also be stored in a cool and dry place. In very hot climates, you might need to keep your CBD in the fridge to protect the cannabinoids.
If your CBD oil has gone bad, the oil will change to a thicker and sludgier texture. This shouldn’t be mistaken for the cloudy and thicker texture that it takes on when it has been stored in the fridge. If the CBD oil is still thick when it returns to room temperature, it may have gone bad.
CBD oil that has gone bad will have a rancid taste that is far stronger than the typical natural CBD taste. It might also have a sour taste.
Where to buy CBD Oil Online?
The best place to buy better tasting CBD Oils is from our website. We have a variety of different brands and strengths of CBD oil for sale, as well as other products like cbd muscle balm. On our website, you will find more information about what types of products we carry. You can also contact us anytime if you have any questions!
We can offer you a huge range of premium CBD products including:
- Flavoured CBD Oils, CBD gummies and CBD Capsules
- Creams, CBD balms and skin care.
- Relaxing and soothing cbd bath bombs
- Hair care products
It’s easy to buy our cbd products! Simply visit browse our online cbd shop.
