What Does CBD Oil Taste Like? (And 9 Ways to Make It Easier)

Last updated: October 2026.

If you have just tried CBD oil for the first time, you may be wondering whether that strong, earthy taste is normal. It is. CBD oil tastes like what it is: a plant extract. Some people like it, many get used to it within a few days, and a few never do. This guide explains what CBD oil tastes like, why, and nine simple ways to make it easier to take.

The short answer

• CBD oil tastes earthy, nutty and slightly grassy, often with a mild bitter aftertaste.
• The taste comes from the hemp extract and the carrier oil.
• Stronger oils usually taste stronger, but you need fewer drops.
• If you cannot get used to it, capsules have no taste and gummies are fruit flavoured.

What does CBD oil taste like?

Most people describe unflavoured CBD oil as earthy, nutty, herbal or grassy, a little like a strong green tea or fresh-cut hay, with a slightly bitter finish. The texture is oily, much like olive oil, and some people notice a faint peppery tingle at the back of the throat.

Our CBD oils contain just two ingredients: hemp extract and hemp seed oil. There are no added flavourings, so what you taste is the natural taste of hemp. We call it a raw formula.

Why does CBD oil taste the way it does?

The hemp extract

Hemp extract contains more than CBD. Depending on how it is made, it can include natural plant compounds such as terpenes (aromatic oils also found in herbs and citrus fruit), chlorophyll and plant waxes. These give the oil its earthy, sometimes bitter taste. More refined extracts taste milder.

The carrier oil

CBD is mixed into a carrier oil so it can be measured in drops and absorbed well. Hemp seed oil has a nutty, slightly grassy taste of its own. MCT oil, made from coconut, is almost tasteless, which is why oils made with MCT often taste milder.

The strength

A 20% or 30% oil contains two or three times as much hemp extract per drop as a 10% oil, so the taste is more concentrated. The trade-off is that you need fewer drops for the same amount of CBD.

CBD oil strengths and taste

Oil	CBD per drop	Taste	Tip
10% Calm	about 5mg	Mildest of the three	Best for getting used to the taste
20% High Strength	about 10mg	Stronger, more earthy	Half the drops of a 10% oil
30% Recovery	about 15mg	The strongest taste	Fewest drops; follow with a drink

9 ways to make CBD oil easier to take

• Hold it under your tongue, not on it. Place the drops underneath your tongue, where there are fewer taste buds, rather than on top.
• Hold, then swallow. Keep the drops under your tongue for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow. This also helps it work faster.
• Have a drink ready. A sip of juice, tea or water afterwards clears the aftertaste.
• Brush your teeth first. Mint toothpaste helps mask the flavour; many people take their oil right after brushing in the morning or evening.
• Mix it into food or drink. A latte, smoothie, yoghurt or porridge hides the taste. Fat helps, because CBD dissolves in fat, not water. It will take a little longer to work.
• Keep it cool. Some people find chilled oil tastes milder; keeping it in the fridge is fine.
• Use fewer drops of a stronger oil. Five drops of 20% oil gives the same CBD as ten drops of 10% oil.
• Give it a week. Most people find the taste much less noticeable after a few days.
• Switch formats. If the taste still bothers you, try CBD capsules (no taste) or CBD gummies (fruity).

Flavoured CBD oils: what to know

Many brands add flavourings such as peppermint, orange or berry to hide the hemp taste. Flavoured oils can be easier to take, and they work in the same way, as long as the CBD content is the same. A few points to check:

• The CBD content. Flavourings do not change how much CBD is in a drop, so compare the mg per drop, not the flavour.
• The ingredients list. Some flavoured oils add sweeteners or several flavouring compounds. If you prefer a simple product, look for a short list.
• Pets. Never give a flavoured human oil to a pet. Some sweeteners, such as xylitol, are toxic to dogs.

Why we keep our oils unflavoured

We chose to keep our oils as simple as possible: hemp extract and hemp seed oil, nothing else. That means the taste is stronger than some flavoured oils, but you know exactly what is in the bottle, and you can add it to your own food or drink if you prefer. For people who would rather not taste it at all, we offer capsules and gummies instead.

Does a stronger taste mean a better oil?

Not necessarily. Taste tells you something about how an extract has been made, but it is not a measure of quality or strength. The only reliable way to know what is in a CBD oil is the lab report, which should confirm the CBD content and the THC result for the batch you are buying.

Does mixing CBD oil into food reduce its effect?

Not the overall amount, but it does change the timing. When you hold CBD under your tongue, some of it is absorbed through the lining of your mouth, so it starts working within about 15 to 45 minutes. When it is swallowed with food, it goes through digestion first, so it usually takes 30 to 90 minutes but can last a little longer. Taking CBD with a meal containing some fat may also help your body absorb more of it. Read more in how long CBD takes to work and how long it lasts.

What does it mean if CBD oil tastes “off”?

Natural products vary a little from batch to batch, so small differences in taste are normal. But if your oil smells rancid or sour, tastes very different from usual, or looks unusually cloudy at room temperature, check the best-before date and how it has been stored. Oils kept in a warm, sunny place can go off sooner. If in doubt, contact the seller.

How to store CBD oil to keep the taste fresh

• Keep it in its box or a cupboard, away from sunlight.
• Store at room temperature or cooler; the fridge is fine.
• Close the cap tightly and wipe the dropper clean.
• Use within a few months of opening, and before the best-before date.

CBD oil vs capsules vs gummies: the taste test

Format	Taste	Best for
CBD oil	Earthy, nutty	Adjusting your amount drop by drop
CBD capsules	None	Anyone who dislikes the taste
CBD gummies	Fruity	A set amount that is easy to take

Not sure where to start? Our 2ml sample of the 10% oil is a cheap way to see how you get on with the taste before buying a full bottle.

Frequently asked questions

What does CBD oil taste like?

Most CBD oils taste earthy, nutty and slightly grassy, with a mild bitterness from the hemp extract. Unflavoured oils taste the most “planty”.

Why does CBD oil taste bitter?

The bitterness comes from natural plant compounds in the hemp extract, such as terpenes, chlorophyll and other cannabinoids. Highly refined extracts taste milder.

Does stronger CBD oil taste worse?

Often, yes. A 20% or 30% oil contains more hemp extract per drop, so the taste is usually stronger. The upside is that you need fewer drops.

Can I put CBD oil in coffee or tea?

Yes. Adding it to a drink with some fat, such as milk, a latte or a smoothie, helps disguise the taste. It will take a little longer to work than drops held under the tongue.

What does your CBD oil taste like?

Our oils contain just two ingredients, hemp extract and hemp seed oil, with no flavourings. They have a natural earthy, nutty taste that most people get used to within a few days.

Is it normal for CBD oil to taste different between batches?

Small differences are normal because hemp is a natural crop. If an oil tastes rancid or sour, check the best-before date and storage, and contact the seller.

How can I avoid the taste of CBD completely?

Choose CBD capsules, which have no taste at all, or CBD gummies, which are fruit flavoured.

Does flavoured CBD oil work as well as unflavoured?

Yes, if it contains the same amount of CBD. Flavourings change the taste, not the CBD content. Check the label and lab report for the mg per drop.

Does CBD oil leave an aftertaste?

It can leave a mild, earthy aftertaste for a few minutes. A drink of water, juice or tea afterwards clears it.

Is the taste of CBD oil a sign it is working?

No. The taste comes from the plant extract and carrier oil. It tells you nothing about the strength or effect, which depend on the amount of CBD you take.

Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.