As CBD oil continues to become popular as a potential wellness supplement, a large number of individuals are considering its inclusion in their lifestyle. But before taking this decision, a question often comes to their minds, “What does CBD oil taste like?”
It’s an important question as the taste of CBD oil may play a key role in a person’s willingness to make it a regular part of their routine.
Whether you are exploring CBD oil for its potential health benefits or are just curious about what effects it might offer you, digging into its nature is a valuable step in your journey. And here we will do just that.
We will take you through the characteristics of CBD oil, its taste, and the factors that can affect it. Here we go.
What Factors Affect the CBD Oil Taste?
Some users may observe hints of a grass-type flavor when consuming CBD sublingually, some notice a musky taste, while some associate CBD with a nutty, strong hemp taste.
With many different taste experiences of different users, what is it that influences the flavor of CBD oil the most?
Here are a few crucial factors that affect the flavor profile of CBD oil:
Terpenes
When you smell the fresh, sweet aroma of a strawberry or the citrusy scent of a lemon, you are inhaling the terpenes that impart them their aromatic profile. Terpenes are fragrant compounds present in all plants, including cannabis.
While they don’t induce a high themselves, they are responsible for affecting a strain’s aroma and the taste of CBD.
There are about 400 types of terpenes in cannabis, with each of them providing a different flavor and scent.
Because CBD oil is made when you derive CBD from a cannabis plant and then mix it with a carrier oil, the taste of CBD oils can be affected by the type of terpene in the oil.
Some of the common terpenes are:
Pinene – Imagine you are in the middle of a densely populated forest surrounded by crisp, tall pine trees.
Although you haven’t probably tasted a pine needle, you must be familiar with coniferous trees and their fresh woody aroma. Pinene has the same woodsy pine taste and scent.
Limonene – Is known for its citrus notes.
Linalool – Has a sweet and floral scent and a flavor similar to lavender.
Carrier Oils
It’s not an overstatement to say that carrier oils are used to carry and deliver the active ingredients to your body. In CBD oil’s case, they are very useful because they assist in dissolving the CBD molecules into the body for smooth absorption.
There are a few popular plant-based or nut carrier oils in CBD oils, each of them providing its unique flavors:
Hemp Seed Oil – Hemp seed oil is made from the same hemp plant as CBD but from the seed rather than the flower from which the CBD is extracted. It often has a nuttier taste than other essential oils, like walnuts or sunflowers.
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil – MCTs are absorbed into the bloodstream easily because of their fatty acid composition, making them one of the most used carrier oils for CBD. Typically made from coconut oil, it’s unique in that it offers a flavorless taste.
Olive oil – Olive oil is absorbed into the skin quicker than MCTs. When taken sublingually, they taste similar to olive oil — smooth and nutty.
How Does CBD Oil Taste?
The taste of CBD oil can vary depending on various factors such as the kind of CBD extract, carrier oil used, any added flavor, etc. In its pure form, CBD oil has a herbal and earthy flavor, reminiscent of the hemp plant from which it is extracted.
This natural taste can be described as nutty, grassy, or even a bit bitter. The carrier oil used in CBD products, such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil, also adds to the overall taste.
Hemp seed oil may add a nutty undertone, while MCT oil can give a more neutral taste. Some CBD oil also comes in flavored versions to cover the natural hemp taste. Common flavor options are citrus, mint, vanilla, berry, etc.
These flavors can make CBD oil more comfortable for those who find the original flavor unappealing. Individual preferences also play an important role in how CBD oil is perceived.
Some users love the earthy notes of unflavored CBD oil, while some prefer the variety in flavors. Regardless, the taste is not a very important factor as compared to the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.
If you are unsure, try experimenting with different flavors and products to find a CBD oil that suits your taste preferences.
How to Make CBD Oil Taste Better?
Here are some ways to make your taste buds fall in love with CBD oil:
Start with CBD isolate-based oils
If you are just getting started with CBD oils, you should do it with CBD isolate products. With a milder flavor, they are more gentle on your palate than the oils that contain broad spectrum CBD.
Choose the right carrier oil
The carrier oil used in a CBD product can impart it a unique taste. Here are some popular carrier oils used in CBD products:
- Hemp seed oil – Strong nutty flavor (Sunflower seeds & Walnuts)
- Coconut oil (MCT oil) – A neutral taste with a hint of freshness
- Olive Oil – Grassy and herbal with nutty overtones
Try medicinal cannabis products with various carrier oils to find one that goes well with your palate.
Consider flavored CBD oil
If you aren’t fond of pure CBD flavor, there’s a huge world of flavored CBD oil drops waiting for you. Additional flavorings are great in masking the original CBD smell and taste.
Combine CBD oil with your favorite food & drinks
Taking CBD oil with your favorite food items is a nice and easy way to mask CBD’s flavor. Although you can add CBD to any food item, it goes better with food items that are liquid-based such as soup, salad dressing, sauce, yogurt, etc.
You can also use CBD oil for cooking. From baked stuff to pasta dishes, you can hardly go wrong with its versatile properties.
Here are a few important guidelines to make sure that its potency levels are top-notch:
Add oil after you’ve cooked – Avoid pouring your CBD oil on direct heat. For example, if you are adding it to sauteed veggies, cook the veggies first, remove them from the burner, and then pour the CBD oil. This lets the oil keep its natural composition and effectiveness.
Don’t bake at high temperatures – You can mix CBD oil with cookie dough, muffin mix, and other delicious baked stuff, but it’s important to keep the baking temperature at 350 degrees or less.
Many recipes need high temperatures, so you can add CBD oil to sweet treats such as no-bake cookies or protein bites.
CBD oil goes well with drinks, so whether you are combining CBD with coffee for your breakfast or a fresh-pressed juice to keep you energetic throughout the day, you can enjoy CBD in anyway you like.
Just be careful of the dosage you are consuming. Just mix the CBD oil in your favorite drink, and you can enjoy its benefits along with masking its earthy taste.
Not sure what to mix CBD oil with yet? Here are some delectable CBD oil-infused drink ideas you must try:
Tea & Coffee – If you think that morning is the best time to take CBD, how about starting with a hot cup of CBD-infused tea or coffee and making it twice as awesome.
Smoothies – Whether you want to sip on a tropical smoothie or a peanut butter chocolate shake, smoothies are a fantastic way to balance the taste of CBD oil while also treating your body with nutritious ingredients.
Mocktails – You can also mix your CBD oil in your favorite mocktail (without alcohol) such as Mai Tais, minty mojitos, and whatnot.
Adjust its flavor with terpenes
As mentioned before, terpenes are natural compounds responsible for giving plants their distinct flavors. That makes them a great candidate for changing and adding to the flavor profile of CBD oils.
If you are seeking a CBD oil with a flavor that resembles something minty, citrusy, chocolatey, or something else, you can skip synthetic flavoring.
Instead, try keeping it natural with terpene flavors. Next time you want to purchase flavored CBD oil, check the ingredient label for terpenes on the list. It will help you to make sure that your oil is made with natural ingredients.
Chase it with something tart
Some users prefer taking CBD oil sublingually as it enters the bloodstream faster than ingesting it with any food item or drink.
Although more research is needed to back this claim, if you take CBD oil drops under your tongue, you can avoid its intense taste by gulping it with a tart beverage.
Acidic juices, like grapefruit or orange juice, are ideal. With a glass of juice in your hand, here’s how you can avoid the unpleasant flavor of your CBD oil:
- Step 1 – First, place CBD oil under your tongue.
- Step 2 – Then allow it to sit for at least ten seconds.
- Step 3 – Thirdly swallow the oil.
- Step 4 – Finally take some sips of your drink to wash down the oil’s earthy flavor and make the whole experience refreshing.
Brush your teeth before hand
While brushing teeth won’t add any flavor to the CBD oil you are using, it may cover its hempy taste. Brushing your teeth right before taking CBD oil will make your mouth minty fresh and also minimize its taste.
Moreover, it might reduce the chances of the hemp seed oil coating the mouth with a film, retaining its earthy aroma and flavor.
Place another flavor under tongue
What’s an effective way to mask the taste of CBD oil as you wait for a minute for it to absorb into your blood? Placing another flavor under tongue, that’s it.
Right. Instead of taking it alone, mix another flavor to keep yourself distracted from its occasional unpleasant taste.
Some popular options are:
- A small piece of chocolate
- A dollop of honey
- A citrus-flavored candy
Try taking CBD capsules
A CBD capsule is a flavorless CBD medium that delivers CBD to your body through the digestive system.
Although it takes longer to notice its effects, the good thing is that you can avoid unwanted flavors. Moreover, if you take them correctly, you can experience their benefits when you need them.
How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant popular for its potential therapeutic qualities. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive feeling of high.
Instead, its effects are subtle and vary among people. Many users report feelings of calmness and reduced anxiety when using CBD oil. It works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, affecting receptors that manage mood and stress.
Users often report a sense of relaxation without impairment in cognitive function, letting them maintain clarity and focus.
CBD may also have analgesic qualities, giving them relief from inflammation and pain. Individuals dealing with chronic pain issues, such as migraine and arthritis, experience relief in discomfort.
Improved sleep is another benefit of CBD oil. Some users report that it helps them loosen up and promotes deeper sleep, making it a favorable choice among those fighting insomnia or sleep disorders.
It’s important to note that individual responses to CBD can differ, and factors like product quality, dosage, and the overall health status of the user can affect the experience.
Before including CBD into your regimen, talking to a healthcare professional is advisable, especially if you are taking any medicines or are dealing with any underlying health conditions.
Overall, CBD oil is usually associated with a sense of well-being and relaxation, striking a balanced state without the intoxicating effects usually associated with the use of cannabis.
What is the Smell of CBD Oil?
CBD oil usually has an herbal and earthy aroma due to the natural compounds present in the cannabis plant. The aroma can be described as a combination of grassy, woodsy, and sometimes floral notes.
This unique fragrance is a result of the various terpenes present in the hemp plant, which are aromatic compounds that contribute to the profile of CBD oil.
The most common terpenes present in CBD oil are pinene, myrcene, and limonene, each adding its touch to the scent. For example, Myrcene is known for its musky and earthy aroma, whereas pinene leads to a pine-like scent, and limonene imparts a citrusy undertone.
CBD oil’s smell can vary from product and brand to brand, depending on factors such as the hemp strain used, extraction method, and any added carrier oils or flavorings.
Some CBD oils come without flavors and retain the natural aroma of the hemp plant, while some may have added ingredients to cover or enhance it.
It’s crucial to note that the smell of CBD oil is different from the pungent odor associated with marijuana, which is mainly due to the high concentration of THC.
CBD oil, having only small amounts of THC, doesn’t produce the same, strong, and significant cannabis aroma. Overall, the fragrance of CBD oil is often reported as natural, mild, and earthy, reflecting its plant-derived nature.
Types of CBD Oil and Their Taste
Not all CBD oils are the same, neither in appearance nor in taste. All three varieties broad spectrum, crude, and isolate CBD oil have a unique flavor. Here’s what we mean:
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum CBD oil features a host of compounds such as terpenes, cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) that can alter the hempy taste of CBD.
Depending on what terpenes are present in your oil, the flavor could range from citrusy to herbal or earthy.
Crude CBD Oil
Crude CBD oil is pure CBD in oil form, made from the plant but not yet processed. Let’s be honest with you: crude CBD oil doesn’t have a good taste.
Often syrupy, thick, brown, and dark green in colour; it still has terpenes and other cannabinoids, but hasn’t been filtered of chlorophyll and waxes.
It’s no more beneficial than broad spectrum oil – it’s just more unsavoury. So there are only few benefits of making crude oil your go-to CBD choice.
CBD Isolate Oil
CBD isolate – as present in CBD oil drops – is pure CBD in an isolated powder or crystal form. Unlike crude formulas or broad spectrum, it’s free of that unpleasant earthy tinge, meaning you can add other flavors easily (like peppermint or citrus) for a great taste.
It doesn’t have a unique taste or smell but lacks in other areas. Unlike broad spectrum CBD, it’s filtered of other compounds like terpenes. That’s why, the carrier oil paired with CBD isolate is the most prominent flavor.
How Do Terpenes Affect CBD Oil Taste?
When you smell the fresh and sweet scent of a strawberry or the citrusy aroma of a lemon, you are taking in the terpenes that give them an aromatic profile. Terpenes are fragrant compounds that are found in all plants, including cannabis.
While they don’t induce a “high” themselves, they affect each strain’s CBD taste and aroma. There are about 400 types of terpenes in cannabis, each offering a different flavor and scent.
As CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil, the taste of CBD oils can be affected by the type of terpene in the oil.
Here are some of the common terpenes:
Pinene – Imagine you are in the middle of a densely populated forest surrounded by crisp, tall pine trees.
Although you haven’t probably tasted a pine needle, you must be familiar with coniferous trees and their fresh woody aroma. Pinene has the same woodsy pine taste and scent.
Limonene – Is known for its citrus notes.
Linalool – Has a sweet and floral scent and a flavor similar to lavender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add CBD oil to a drink?
When you mix CBD oil with a drink, its flavor tends to blend with the other flavors of the drink, becoming more subtle. For example, adding CBD oil to a coffee or smoothie can mask the CBD’s flavors completely.
In mocktails & cocktails, CBD can add a pleasant herbal undertone that goes well with other flavors. It’s best to experiment to find what works best according to your taste.
Does CBD taste like weed?
No, CBD doesn’t taste like weed. CBD oil has an earthy, herbal taste with notes of nuts and grass. It doesn’t have the strong, unique taste of high THC content found in marijuana.
How do you tell if CBD oil is expired?
To tell if your CBD oil has expired, you should check for changes in color, consistency, or an unpleasant odor in your CBD oil. Expired CBD oil may lose its potency, so always keep it in a cool & dark place and be mindful of the product’s recommended shelf life.
What is the most potent way to consume CBD oil?
Sublingual application (under the tongue) is the most potent way to consume CBD oil as it allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via mucous membranes.
Vaping CBD is another fast method, but it isn’t suitable for all and comes with its risks. Capsules and edibles are slower but provide a tasty and handy alternative.
Does CBD oil make food taste better?
CBD oil has a unique taste that may not enhance the flavor of any food item. Some users report that it complements certain dishes, while others prefer flavored CBD products to cover the natural hemp taste. It’s subjective and depends on users’ preferences.
Conclusion
As you have just read, the taste of CBD oil can be as diverse as the plants from which it is extracted. From the rich and earthy flavors of full-spectrum oils to the customizable and clean taste of CBD isolates, there is a CBD oil to suit every preference.
It’s important to consider not just the type of CBD oil used but also the carrier oil, as it can influence both the taste and the efficacy of the product.
Also keep in mind that not only a taste you like will make your CBD routine truly enjoyable, it will make you stick with it. So it’s important to take your time, experiment with different options, and trust the one you love the most.