Bitterness is a sensation that most of us don’t enjoy, yet it’s an important evolutionary adaptation that helps us stay away from toxic substances.

Unfortunately, many foods and drinks we consume contain bitter compounds, leaving a bitter taste in our mouth after ingestion.

Bitterness in the mouth can result from various causes, including medication, dehydration, an underlying medical condition, or certain air pollutants such as smoke.

Regardless of the source, there are ways to mask the bitter taste and regain the pleasure of eating or drinking.

1. Sweeten it up

Sugar or honey can be added to bitter foods to balance the taste. You can also try adding fruit juice to dishes, tea, or coffee to soften the bitterness.

2. Use acidic ingredients

Adding acidic elements such as lemon juice, vinegar, or pickled vegetables can help neutralize the bitterness in some foods. For example, marinading meat in vinegar can help tenderize and flavor the meat and reduce its bitterness.

3. Add salt

Add small amounts of salt to bitter foods to cut the bitterness. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much salt can be harmful.

4. Try sour cream

If you’re a fan of sour cream, consider adding some to your dish. Its creamy texture and silky consistency can help mask the bitterness.

5. Use herbs and spices

Certain herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and basil can balance bitter flavors and enhance the overall taste of a dish.

You can add fresh or dried herbs to your favorite meals, soups, and stews, and experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavors.

6. Mask it with cheese

If you’re not lactose intolerant, try to add some grated cheese to a dish or sprinkle it on top. Cheese is rich in fat and proteins that can mask the bitterness and enhance the flavor of the dish.

7. Use chocolate

Adding a bit of chocolate to your coffee can help balance its bitterness and bring out the flavors of the beans. You can also use cocoa powder or chocolate in baking to soften the bitterness in desserts and pastries.

8. Steam and roast veggies

Steaming or roasting vegetables can help reduce their bitterness and enhance their taste. This cooking method can also help retain the nutrients in the veggies.

9. Blanch greens

Blanching is a simple cooking technique that involves boiling or steaming greens for a few minutes, followed by transferring them to a bowl of ice water.

This process can help reduce the bitterness of greens like kale, broccoli rabe, and collard greens.

10. Try different cooking methods

Boiling, simmering, and poaching can sometimes make bitter flavors worse. Try pan-frying, grilling, or baking instead to see if they reduce the bitterness.

11. Mix it up

Try creating a balanced blend of bitter foods with other ingredients to mask the bitterness. For example, adding nuts and dried fruit to a salad can balance the bitterness of leafy greens.

12. Use aromatic vegetables and fruits

Adding aromatic vegetables like onions and carrots can balance the bitterness in soups and stews. Similarly, adding fruit like apples, pears, or persimmons can balance the bitterness in some recipes.

13. Experiment with umami

Umami is the fifth basic taste sensation that can help mask bitterness. Umami-rich foods include soy sauce, miso paste, and mushrooms. Try adding these ingredients to your dishes to balance the bitterness.

14. Consider bitters

Ironically, bitters, like Angostura and Peychaud’s, can help balance out bitterness in cocktails. Bitters contain a mixture of herbs that can help cut the bitterness and enhance the flavors of the drink.

15. Avoid overcooking

Overcooking can intensify bitterness in some foods, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Try steaming or roasting these vegetables to reduce their bitterness.

16. Choose the right coffee beans

If you’re a coffee lover, try experimenting with different coffee beans. Some beans have fruity or floral notes that can balance out bitterness.

17. Try different tea blends

Similar to coffee, different tea blends can have different flavor profiles. Try experimenting with herbal teas like chamomile and mint, which can help mask bitterness.

18. Rinse canned foods

Canned beans and veggies can often have a metallic or bitter aftertaste due to the brine and other preservatives. Rinse the canned food under running water before using it in a recipe to reduce the bitterness.

19. Use citrus zest

The zest of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges can add a tangy, refreshing flavor to dishes and mask the bitterness. Try using the zest in salads, marinades, or on top of baked goods like cakes and muffins.

20. Blend it up

Blending fruits and veggies into smoothies is a great way to consume the nutrients without the bitterness. You can add some honey or yogurt to the smoothie to balance the bitterness.

21. Drink plenty of water

Dehydration can cause bitterness in the mouth, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drinking water can also help cleanse the palate and reduce bitterness.

22. Chew gum

Chewing gum can help freshen your breath and mask the bitterness in your mouth. Try to choose sugar-free gum to avoid increasing your sugar intake.

23. Use a tongue scraper

A tongue scraper can help remove dead cells, bacteria, and debris from your tongue, reducing the bitterness in your mouth. You can buy a tongue scraper at most drugstores or online.

24. Quit smoking

Cigarette smoke can cause bitterness in the mouth and throat, as well as other adverse health effects. Quitting smoking can help reduce the bitterness and improve your overall health.

25. Check your medication

Some medications can cause bitterness in the mouth, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking medication.

26. Drink milk

Milk contains proteins that can bind to bitter compounds and neutralize them, reducing the bitterness. Try drinking milk with your meals or adding it to your coffee to reduce the bitterness.

27. Use baking soda

Baking soda is a base that can neutralize acids and bases. Add a pinch of baking soda to your baking or cooking to reduce the bitterness and enhance the flavors.

28. Try a sour drink

Drinks like lemonade, limeade, and grapefruit juice can help balance out the bitterness in your mouth. You can also try adding lemon or lime to your water to make it more palatable.

29. Use activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural detoxifier that can help absorb toxins and neutralize bitterness in the mouth. You can buy activated charcoal supplements or powder at most health food stores or online.

30. Rinse with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many ailments. Rinsing your mouth with diluted apple cider vinegar can help neutralize bitterness and improve your oral health.

Conclusion

Bitterness in the mouth can be an unpleasant sensation, but there are many ways to mask it and enjoy your favorite foods and drinks.

From adding sugar or honey to acidic ingredients, using herbs and spices, to trying different cooking methods, you have a variety of options to choose from. Experiment with these tips to find what works best for you and start enjoying your meals again!.