What Exactly is the Flavor Profile of CBD?
Reputable CBD brands create their products from clean and potent hemp that’s grown and harvested in the United States (and sometimes Europe). Depending on the variety of the CBD, flavors can range from earthy, to nutty, to grassy, and even flavorless. The more cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients in the oil, the stronger the flavor will be. Interestingly, some CBD users say that CBD oil either tastes very much like how the earth smells after a rainstorm, or that it has the faint taste of campfire smoke. Even more interesting is the fact that while most CBD oils are blended into a carrier of fractionated coconut oil, there is no coconut taste in the final product.
The different elements in a CBD oil cause it to have its distinct smell and flavor. Cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBG, and CBC as well as terpenes cause CBD oils to have a unique taste and amoma. All plants have terpenes in them. Terpenes are what give plants its smell. Terpenes will either protect plants from predators or attract insects that pollinate plants to help them propagate. There are four categories of terpenes that include sour, spicy, sweet, and bitter, and every category is then sectioned off into sub-categories depending on scent. The hemp plant has over 100 terpenes in it, with the most common ones being beta-caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, linalool, pinene, and terpinolene.
- Undertones of beta-caryophyllene can be smelled in basil, cinnamon, and rosemary.
- Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges emit their citrusy scent because of limonene.
- Myrcene, which has an earthy aroma, is found in bay leaves, hops, thyme, and eucalyptus.
- Pinene smells just as the name suggests. It’s mostly found in conifer trees like pine trees and is the most common terpene.
- Terpinolene is commonly found in herbs like rosemary and sage.
Every one of these terpenes works in a synergistic manner with each other to give hemp its unique smell.
How is CBD Isolate Very Different From Full-Spectrum and Broad Spectrum Oils?
As we just stated, the more cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant parts an oil has in it, the stronger the flavor will be. Full-spectrum oils contain all of the parts of the hemp plant, and are therefore considered to be better for the body’s endocannabinoid system that helps to bring it back into a state of balance. Broad spectrum oils may not have as strong of a flavor as full-spectrum oils. The only thing different about this CBD oil variety, however, is that it does not contain any THC. Even though by federal law, all CBD products must be hemp-based and contain 0.3% or less THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, some people opt for broad spectrum oils either by preference, or because they are subjected to routine drug testing. Sadly, even though the amount of THC is nominal, it can still cause a false positive to occur on a test. Lastly, CBD isolates have the least flavor out of all three varieties because they contain 99% pure CBD as the rest of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients have been filtered out through a special process. Typically, full-spectrum and broad spectrum oils have some color to them whereas isolates tend to be on the clearer side.
Why do Natural Flavorings Matter?
If you find the natural flavor of CBD oils to be off-putting, then you should begin searching for flavored options. When it comes to flavored CBD oils, natural flavor sources are best over artificial ones. Artificial flavorings are packed with harmful chemicals that can be bad for your health over time. Some of the natural flavors that are offered by reputable brands like FAB CBD include mint, vanilla, citrus, berry, and natural. Natural flavorings do a lot for CBD oils. For example, they mainly help to mask the earthy taste that CBD has. They also help to sweeten the CBD oil and make it more palatable to those who have a difficult time taking it. While some flavors are used to give CBD a delectable and desert-like taste, others help the CBD to taste refreshing and cooling. Mint and peppermint flavors are excellent options if you’re looking for your CBD oil to be invigorating.
Why are Many Oils Offered in Different Flavors?
Many oils are offered in different flavors simply to give consumers an array of options to choose from. After all, variety is the spice of life. While some consumers prefer citrus flavors, others go for mint and peppermint tastes. Additionally, some people really love for their CBD oil to taste like their favorite dessert. When that’s the case, flavors like orange creamsicle, or chocolate mint are their go-to options. Consumers also find that sometimes one flavor masks the taste of CBD oil better than another. While it all comes down to taste and preference, it’s still good to have a nice array of natural flavor options to choose from.
Why do Some People Add CBD Oil to Beverages?
Even though CBD oils come in an array flavors, some consumers still do not like the taste of them. And while it’s not generally advised, some people find that adding CBD oil into beverages makes it easier and more palatable to take. If you love CBD oil but cannot take the taste, then this would be a last resort way to take it. Typically, when people incorporate their oil into beverages, they only add a few drops into the liquid and drink it right away. Since most CBD products are made using a carrier oil, the CBD oil will typically sit on top of your beverage.
These days, thanks to advancement in technology, CBD-infused drinks are now appearing on store shelves. These types of drinks are made using water-soluble CBD, or CBD that is specifically created to easily dissolve in water. In today’s CBD product market, you can find infused waters, soft drinks, coffees, sports drinks, and more. Even though these kinds of drinks may be appealing for their convenience, it’s much better to take CBD oil directly under your tongue so that it can be more effectively absorbed into your bloodstream.
Final Thoughts: Finding a CBD Oil That’s Palate-Pleasing
CBD oil has become all the rage in recent years. And while it has many excellent effects associated with it, some people have a difficult time getting used to its earthy and sometimes grassy flavor. If you’re set on making CBD oil a regular part of your daily wellness routine, then the good news is that many reputable brands also offer it in a host of interesting flavors that can taste like your favorite dessert, be as refreshing as the freshest breath mint, or as bright as the juiciest citrus fruit. If you prefer that your CBD oil be flavored, then you should look for oils that are made with natural flavorings. FAB CBD uses only natural flavorings in our full-spectrum CBD oils, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is choosing between vanilla, citrus, berry, natural, or mint.
