‘Goodbye Bitter Aftertaste!’ Plant Compound Could Improve the Taste of Sodas with Artificial Sugar
A minty plant compound could erase the bitter taste of Coke Zero and other sugar-free drinks
When it comes to sugar-free drinks and products, most of the world is split. Sodas like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Canada Dry Zero and Pepsi Zero have a huge following. Others find diet drinks and sugar alternatives leave a weird aftertaste, and say that if they’re going to have a soda, they’d rather risk the blood sugar spike for the real thing. Now, research suggests the taste of artificial sweeteners could soon get an upgrade, thanks to a plant compound hiding in your toothpaste.
The plant compound that could change artificial sweeteners
A study in the journal FEBS Open Bio found that common artificial sweeteners, including acesulfame K (an artificial sugar found in products like Coke Zero) and saccharin (the artificial sugar in Sweet’N Low), taste bitter because they trigger two receptors on the tongue called TAS2R31 and TAS2R43. But researchers discovered that a natural compound called “(R)-(-)-carvone,” commonly referred to as R-carvone, found in spearmint, doesn’t trigger the receptors and actually blocks the bitter aftertaste.
What does that mean for the taste of sugar-free products? Experts say they could soon start tasting better.
Woman's World Answers
“Saccharin and acesulfame K are common in ‘diet’ or ‘sugar-free’ products such as sodas, flavored waters, chewing gum, protein shakes and some baked goods,” says board-certified family medicine physician Annie DePasquale, MD, CEO and founder of Collaborating Docs. “By muting their bitterness, compounds like (R)-carvone could make these sweeteners more palatable for consumers.”
Can you use R-Carvone at home?
If the idea of enjoying sweetened foods and drinks without the health risks of sugar sounds enticing, you may wonder if you can use R-carvone at home instead of waiting for it to appear in sodas and other sweetened products. The answer is technically yes, but experts say the safest option is to stick to natural sources already containing the compound.
“People already consume (R)-carvone naturally when they use spearmint, caraway or certain herbs in cooking or teas,” says Dr. DePasquale. “While concentrated forms exist as flavoring agents or essential oils, I would caution against adding those directly into drinks without guidance, as purity and dosing can vary. For now, the safest way to access it naturally is through fresh herbs or foods that already contain it.”
What to know about artificial sweeteners
“When it comes to artificial sweeteners overall, they can be a helpful tool for some people,” says Dr. DePasquale. “They provide sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spikes of regular sugar, which can support weight management and be especially useful for people with diabetes. That said, they’re best used in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods.”
Still, research shows consistent use of artificial sweeteners is linked to chronic health conditions.
“While artificial sweeteners are low or no-calorie, they cause an increase in cravings for sweets in general,” warns Jennifer Brown, MD, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine. “Studies show that patients who routinely use artificial sweeteners are at a higher risk for diabetes and obesity than those who don’t.”
Healthy alternatives to artificial sweeteners
In other words, enjoying a sugar-free soda or ice cream once in a while can support overall health, as long as you’re mindful of how often you have them.
So what should you reach for when you’re craving something sweet but want a change from your usual Coke Zero?
“I would instead try to encourage homemade teas, with lemon and honey to sweeten—being cautious of the quantity of honey used—or flavors such as mint, lemon or cucumber,” says Hope Barkoukis, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Dr. Barkoukis also recommends taking advantage of naturally sweet foods, like unsweetened applesauce and opting for smaller amounts of dark chocolate instead of eating sweets for desserts. Finally, try freezing fruits and eating them (grapes are delicious!)
If you’re looking for alternatives to artificial sweeteners, Dr. DePasquale advises using natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit extract and allulose. . “Stevia and monk fruit are plant-derived, widely available and don’t raise blood sugar. Allulose is a newer sweetener that tastes very close to sugar but is absorbed differently, so it doesn’t contribute calories or significant glucose spikes. These are generally well-tolerated and supported by emerging evidence for blood sugar control.”
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