When you consume any type of hemp-based gummy, you may or may not notice something of an aftertaste, which can be weak, moderate or strong. There are all kinds of reasons why a gummy may have an aftertaste, and not all of those reasons are necessarily bad – in fact, sometimes an aftertaste is a positive thing, as you will see. The key is figuring out where the aftertaste is coming from, to know whether or not you’ve high-quality gummies on your hands.
Whether or Not the Gummy Contains Terpenes
One reason why you might be getting an aftertaste is because the gummies contain terpenes, and depending on the particular terpene profile, the aftertaste can be anywhere from subtle to powerful. If it’s the terpenes causing the aftertaste, then you’ll notice a “plant-like” flavor that lingers for a little bit after you swallow. Terpenes are desirable compounds in hemp that can elevate the value of a gummy, and so this is one reason why an aftertaste is not a bad thing.
Whether or Not the Gummy is Fresh
If your gummies aren’t fresh, the aftertaste you’re experiencing might come from aging flavoring ingredients that are, sadly, past their prime. If your gummies are more than a few months old, or if you’ve exposed them to too much air, heat, light or humidity, the ingredients may have already begun breaking down, which can have a negative impact on how they taste. If you’re getting a weird taste from your gummies and you know that they haven’t been stored properly or that they’re old, it’s best to replace them as they have a high chance of being no longer effective.
Whether or Not the Gummy Contains an Alternative Sweetener
Many alternative sweeteners notoriously have an aftertaste, including stevia, sucralose and others. If the aftertaste is sweet, this is likely the culprit. Some sweeteners are healthier than others, and many people avoid sucralose due to its potential impacts on the body. And, companies can choose from a huge array of sweeteners since there are so many available today. Basically, if you’re trying to avoid certain types of sweeteners, read the ingredients before you buy a gummy product to see how they get their sweet flavor.
Whether or Not the Gummy Contains Certain Additives
There are so many different kinds of additives that can be found contributing to an aftertaste in a gummy formula that it would be impossible to name them all. The bottom line is that if you’re getting a synthetic aftertaste when you eat a gummy, whether it be strong, moderate or weak, look at the ingredients to see what’s in that formula, to scope out any potential artificial ingredients that are responsible.
Whether or Not the Gummy is Made with High-Quality Flavoring
If a gummy is made with artificial ingredients for flavor, then you might notice a strange aftertaste that’s cloyingly sweet, or plain-old fake-tasting. Some high-quality ingredients like fresh fruit extracts can have an aftertaste, but that aftertaste would taste like fresh fruit, which few people would say is a bad thing. Look at how a company gets their fruit flavor, because you’d be surprised by how many popular hemp companies are using all kinds of cheap, synthetic ingredients.
Whether or Not the Gummy Has Another Active Ingredient
If the gummy contains another active ingredient, then that could definitely cause an aftertaste. For instance, if you’ve purchased gummies that contain ashwagandha, you should expect an earthy aftertaste, since ashwagandha has a pretty strong earthy flavor. Again, if you’re seeking out a specific active ingredient in your gummies, then the aftertaste is expected, and isn’t a bad thing.
Whether or Not the Gummy is Authentic
Of course, there’s always a risk that you end up with a fake gummy that doesn’t actually contain that said cannabinoid, and so its formula can contain practically anything. This could definitely cause an aftertaste. Look for lab reports before buying any hemp-infused gummy, since these lab reports come from an objective third-party facility, and even verify whether or not the gummies aren’t only authentic, but free of impurities and potent enough to give you the effects that you’re looking for.
Bottom Line: It All Depends
Luckily, in most cases, an aftertaste means that the gummy contains terpenes, which’s directly benefiting you by providing you with a more diverse array of hemp compounds that can improve your state of body and mind. But, if you suspect that the aftertaste is coming from something less desirable, like a low-quality artificial sweetener or other unwanted additive, then you’ll want to consider switching to high quality gummies, which can be found here at The Calm Leaf. We carry all sorts of cannabinoid-type gummies that contain clean and natural ingredients, along with a rich selection of terpenes in every bite, such as: