Since you have to take hemp CBD oil by mouth – unless you’re using it topically – the taste is naturally something you might worry about. What DOES hemp CBD oil taste like?
Well, hemp CBD oil generally comes in two varieties: flavored and unflavored. You may want to try a couple of flavored oils and an unflavored oil and see which you prefer. But what does it taste like?
Understanding hemp CBD oil
First, before discussing its taste, let’s understand what hemp CBD oil is. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive substance of cannabis that has been shown to have the potential to be beneficial to one’s health. Hemp CBD oil is a natural oil that includes high levels of CBD. CBD oil from the hemp plant can be extracted using several procedures, the most common of which are CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and olive oil extraction.
What does hemp CBD oil taste like?
The flavor of hemp CBD oil can change depending on several factors, the most important of which is the quality of the oil and the extraction technique used. When asked to describe the flavor of hemp CBD oil, most users say it has an earthy or nutty flavor, while some say it has a grassy or bitter flavor. Its flavor results from naturally occurring components in hemp, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, which give the plant its distinctive flavor.
Some users find that the flavor of hemp CBD oil is difficult to tolerate or has an unpleasant taste. There are, however, approaches that can make it more tolerable. Blending the oil with other foods or beverages, such as smoothies, tea, or coffee, is one approach that can be taken. This can help conceal the taste of the oil, making it simpler to swallow and consume.
You also have the option of purchasing CBD oil that has a flavoring added to it. Hemp CBD oil is available from some sources in various scents, including peppermint, vanilla, and citrus. These flavors can cover the oil’s inherent flavor, making it more palatable and fun.
Natural Flavor Hemp CBD Oil
The taste of natural flavor hemp CBD oil generally depends on whom you buy it from, since it depends on how it’s made. PURE CBD oil is typically referred to as CBD distillate – distillation is the process by which a liquid is heated to create a vapor and then condensed back into a liquid again in the purest form. CBD distillate is VERY earthy and thick – not really something you would want to ingest on its own.
So when we talk about what hemp CBD oil tastes like, we are typically referring to a tincture. How your tincture tastes will depend on what it’s mixed with as a base to make it more easily consumable.
How tinctures/oils are made is by emulsifying the pure CBD oil from the hemp plant in a carrier oil of some sort. Emulsification is the process of dispersing two or more liquids together to form a stable mixture. A common / everyday example is balsamic vinaigrette – which is made by emulsifying balsamic vinegar in olive oil.
The flavor therefore depends on what oil base the manufacturer uses to make the tincture. At TribeTokes we use a cold pressed organic MCT oil. Customers find this coconut-derived ingredient has a gentle taste and goes great with our flavorless tinctures. Its important that we use MCT oil derived from coconuts, as some companies use MCT oil derived from palm oil to save money, but it’s not as good for you.
So…what does it taste like?
The flavor imparted by the CBD-rich oil tends to be grassy and herbal.
Full spectrum CBD distillate’s flavor is dependent on the oil in question, which – depending on the extraction method and how refined the oil is – can be dark or light in color, which affects the flavor. Dark hemp oil tends to be nutty, and light hemp seed oil tends to be a little more grassy in flavor.
Many people have said that natural hemp CBD tincture’s flavor is a little grassy, with some chocolate or dark nutty notes to it as well. Typically, you won’t taste the carrier oil too much, unless somebody used a particularly potent olive oil or other food oil to make it. We find MCT oil to be the superior carrier oil for tinctures. Remember MCT oil is healthy to ingest but unhealthy to smoke. This is why our cbd cartridges do not use any carrier oils whatsoever. However that’s for a different post: READ MORE HERE
Does the taste of hemp CBD oil differ from brand to brand?
The taste of hemp CBD oil can vary from one brand to another due to several factors. Brands use different strains of hemp and employ various extraction methods, which can affect the taste and quality of the oil. Additionally, some brands may include flavorings or other ingredients in their CBD oil to make it more appealing or unique.
For instance, a hemp CBD oil brand may have a more prominent earthy or grassy flavor than another brand, while another brand may have a subtle taste with hints of mint or citrus. The concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids in the oil can also impact the taste, with higher concentrations potentially resulting in a more pungent or bitter taste.
While taste is essential when choosing a hemp CBD oil, it is not the only consideration. Quality, purity, and potency are equally crucial, as they can impact the product’s efficacy. As such, conducting thorough research on different brands and products before purchasing is essential to ensure they meet your needs and are of high quality.
Suggestions for enhancing the flavor of hemp CBD oil
The following are some suggestions that can help enhance the flavor of hemp CBD oil:
- Blend the oil with other ingredients, such as food or drinks: Blending the oil with other ingredients, such as food or beverages, is an excellent approach to hide the flavor of the oil. Smoothies, coffee, tea, and even salad dressings could all benefit from using the oil.
- Choose a flavored CBD oil: If you find the taste of hemp CBD oil unpleasant, consider switching to a CBD oil with a flavor. Several companies sell hemp CBD oil, and some flavors they offer include peppermint, vanilla, and citrus.
- Use a carrier oil: Instead, you might combine CBD oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. This is yet another alternative. This may enhance the flavor while also making it simpler to swallow.
Flavored CBD Tinctures
However, there are also flavored CBD tinctures on the market as well. The exact flavor used depends on the manufacturer, so it really depends on whom you buy it from.
Typically, a flavored CBD tincture will also include a small amount of a sweetener. Sometimes it’s sugar or a trace amount of a simple syrup (sugar water boiled down to a syrup) or other sweetener, such as Swerve or stevia leaf extract. Personally, we prefer our tinctures without a sweetener, and many people have very specific types of sweetener they prefer (some people love and some people hate Stevia for example, so we avoided that). If you have a sweet tooth, we suggest you try our CBD Gummy Bears instead of the tincture – they are organic and made with real cane sugar, and taste amazing!
Many manufacturers will make their oil with an essential oil of some sort. Mint or peppermint is a popular flavor – since you hold a tincture under your tongue and mint is a nice refreshing aftertaste for your breath. Again, what flavor options are available depends on exactly whom you’re getting your CBD oil from.
Our lemon flavored CBD tincture does not include sweeteners or any artificial ingredients so that the high-quality lemon extracts can shine through. We find this to be a very light, refreshing flavor that also leaves you with nice breath 🙂
However, if you prefer to not taste anything at all, our flavorless tinctures have always been the most popular “flavor.” You can also skip tinctures altogether and go straight for a healthy vape or CBD beauty or skincare product!
Conclusion
Hemp CBD oil is a natural product that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits. The flavor of hemp CBD oil might change based on the quality of the oil itself as well as the extraction technique that is used. Some methods can make the flavor more agreeable, even though some users feel it to have a terrible taste.
Improving the flavor of hemp CBD oil can be accomplished in several ways, including combining it with food or beverages, selecting a flavored CBD oil, or using a carrier oil. In the end, the most important thing you can do to make the most of the possible health benefits of CBD oil is to locate a product you enjoy using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the taste of hemp CBD oil?
The taste of hemp CBD oil is distinct and is often characterized as having an earthy, nutty, or grassy flavor. This taste is influenced by various compounds and terpenes found in the hemp plant, which contribute to its aroma and flavor. Some people may perceive the taste as slightly bitter or astringent, while others may appreciate its natural taste.
It is important to note that the taste of hemp CBD oil may vary depending on the concentration of CBD and the particular brand of the product being used. Additionally, the method used to extract the oil can impact the taste, with CO2 extraction known for producing high-quality and more flavorful oils than other methods.
Is the taste of hemp CBD oil affected by the extraction method used?
The extraction method used to create hemp CBD oil can affect its taste, quality, and purity. Various methods of extracting CBD from the hemp plant are available, such as CO2 extraction, solvent extraction, and olive oil extraction. The specific method used can have a significant impact on the resulting oil.
CO2 extraction is one of the best methods for producing high-quality, flavorful oils. It employs high pressure and low temperatures to extract CBD and other compounds from the hemp plant without causing damage, resulting in pure and flavorful oil. However, solvent extraction may leave behind residual solvents that can adversely affect the taste and quality of the oil.
How can I make the taste of hemp CBD oil more palatable?
There are multiple ways to enhance the taste of hemp CBD oil if you find it unpalatable. The natural taste of hemp CBD oil is often earthy, nutty, or grassy, which can be unappetizing for some people. However, there are several options to make it more enjoyable.
One way is to mix the oil with food or beverages. Adding it to a smoothie, salad dressing, or flavored drink can help mask the taste. Another way is to try flavored CBD oil or CBD-infused products in various flavors like mint, citrus, or berry. If you prefer to consume hemp CBD oil directly, some manufacturers produce products with a less intense taste. For instance, some oils are blended with natural oils such as coconut or olive oil to enhance the taste.
Are there any side effects associated with the taste of hemp CBD oil?
No direct side effects are associated with the taste of hemp CBD oil. However, some people may experience discomfort or find the taste unpleasant, which could lead to reluctance to use the product. To overcome this, users can use various methods to improve the taste, such as adding it to food or beverages, trying flavored CBD oil, or opting for a milder-tasting oil blended with natural oils.
It’s important to note that the potential side effects associated with CBD are not related to the taste of the oil. Common side effects of CBD include fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight. Additionally, CBD may interact with some medications. Thus, consulting with a healthcare provider before using CBD products is essential.