If you’ve had to take supplements in oil form before, such as omega-3 fish oil, then you might be hesitant to try CBD oil because you’re not a fan of how these oils taste. We get it because it can genuinely discourage people from taking what’s good for them in the long term.
CBD oil mostly has an earthy taste with subtle nutty and herbal notes, but the flavor intensity depends on the exact product you’re using, as there are many factors that come into play.
So whether you want to learn more because you’re curious or you’re seriously considering buying your first bottle, read on to learn about CBD oil taste. And if you’re an avid user who’s not a fan of the crude flavor, stick around till the end, as we’ll tell you about some ways to make it more palatable.
Whether you’re a newbie seeking information or a seasoned user looking for ways to enhance your CBD experience, stay tuned for tips from Chariswell to make it more enjoyable and explore our CBD products that suit your palate. Contact us today, and let’s find your perfect match.
What Is the Natural Flavor of CBD?
In its purest form, CBD has earthy undertones that also taste slightly grassy, nutty, and bitter.
This bitterness is the natural taste of the hemp plant that the raw extract comes from. It’s not an enjoyable flavor for most people, but it’s not meant to be taken in this way, either, as it’s meant to be mixed with a carrier oil to dilute it and make it more palatable. Think of it as drinking pure ethyl alcohol instead of 80-proof vodka.
Factors That Determine CBD Oil Taste
Not all CBD oils share the same flavor profile. In fact, your bottle may taste so different from your friend’s that you could argue over which one is the correct form. In reality, there are numerous factors that determine the taste of CBD oil, but here are the most important ones:
Type of CBD Extract
There are three main forms of CBD: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD oils. And each of them has a unique flavor due to the different extraction methods and processing techniques.
Full-spectrum (crude) CBD oil is an unprocessed form that retains the natural CBD oil taste. It’s full of the hemp and cannabis plant compounds that give it an unsavory flavor. It may be the most beneficial form, but you probably won’t enjoy it.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to crude CBD but with some processing to remove some of the THC and other ingredients. But since it retains many of the aromatic compounds in CBD, you can also expect that bitter, earthy flavor in a watered-down version.
Lastly, there’s CBD isolate, which is highly processed to remove the pungent compounds. Its flavor is almost fully neutral, allowing you to mix it with other ingredients as you like. Think of it as the vodka of CBD.
The Carrier Oil
Pure CBD extract must be diluted with a carrier oil before it’s ready for consumption. Unsurprisingly, the choice of oil plays a major role in determining the taste of CBD.
Coconut oil is a popular choice because it tastes fresh but largely neutral. You can also get MCT oil out of coconut oil after some processing.
We prefer MCT carrier oil because not only does it improve the taste of CBD oil, but it also has numerous science-backed health benefits.
But it’s not the only option available. Hemp seed oil is also a good carrier oil if you want a nutty flavor profile without the bitterness of raw hemp. You can even use olive oil if you like its herbal taste.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the natural compounds that give the cannabis or hemp plant its distinctive taste and aroma. There are hundreds of them in each plant, and their unique flavors combine to affect the taste of CBD.
For instance, some terpenes are pungent, earthy, and have a slightly bitter taste, while others can be floral notes similar to rosemary. There are even fruity terpenes that you can find in everyday fruits or citrusy ones that’ll spice up your tincture.
Exploring More Palatable CBD Forms
If you still can’t stomach CBD on its own, there are ways to enjoy its benefits in a more palatable manner. Here, we’ll mention only three of our favorite methods, which you can get creative with, too.
Flavored CBD Oil
You can buy ready-made flavored CBD oil, such as our CBD Shield or CBD Balance bottles. Or, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can get a CBD isolate and add flavoring as you like.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies can be both a great treat and an easy and convenient way to take CBD if you’re not a fan of dropping oil on your tongue. They also typically have enjoyable flavors, such as our elderberry-flavored Gummy Dream.
CBD Oils in Drinks
Finally, if you have a neutral form of CBD isolate, you can squeeze a drop into the blender or shaker while making your favorite drink, whether it’s a smoothie or a mocktail, though you should avoid mixing CBD with alcoholic drinks.
The Bottom Line
Unflavored CBD oil isn’t for everyone. We get it, as it’s too bitter and can be quite pungent for many people. Besides, if you don’t even like the oily texture, this might be a complete dealbreaker for you.
Fortunately, you don’t need to endure a flavor you don’t like to enjoy the benefits of CBD, as there are many ways to take it without forcing it upon yourself. For example, you can use a stripped-down version like CBD isolate and combine it with your favorite beverage or add it to a recipe to create CBD edibles.
Have questions or need guidance on finding the perfect CBD option for you? Call us today, and let’s craft a CBD experience tailored to your preferences.