Kratom Doesn't Have to Be Bitter

Kratom tastes terrible. There’s no way to sugarcoat that fact. However, there are ways to sugarcoat kratom’s bitter taste. Kratom users rely on a variety of methods for consuming kratom that are all designed to help make it more palatable. After all, just a spoonful of sugar helps the kratom go down, although some ways are more delightful than others.

Five of the most popular ideas are listed below. Each one has its own pros and cons, and a lot of it just comes down to personal taste. Find out which of these options works best for you. Also, be on the lookout for the best method that is coming soon, which ultimately solves this taste problem once and for all, promising to be the game changer that kratom fans everywhere have been waiting for.

The Kratom OGs

The original kratom users in Southeast Asia often simply chewed fresh leaves that they plucked off the tree. As described in a 2017 study published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, the men would chew the leaves several times a day to improve work productivity and combat fatigue as they labored in the hot sun. Women in the village would also use it as a remedy for many ailments, such as fever, cough, hypertension, diabetes, pain, and anxiety.

In addition to chewing, they would also prepare a solution known as juice or tea from boiled leaves. The process to make this solution was quite simple:

• Wash leaves with water to remove dirt.
• Place leaves in pot of boiling water.
• Reduce temperature and brew at low heat for up to four hours, stirring every half hour.
• Cool before consuming, or chill with ice to allow it to last for up to three days.

Of course, this method does nothing to counter the unpleasant taste, which these users may have just become accustomed to. For most taste buds, though, something sweet is definitely needed.

Top 5 Methods for Taking Kratom   

The most common ways of using kratom in the United States all start with kratom powder, which is a finely ground form of dried kratom leaves. This powder can be mixed with other food or beverages, brewed as a tea, or taken in capsule form. The boldest users even just take it on its own, using methods such as “toss and wash” or “parachuting.”

1.      Mixing Kratom with Food or Beverages

One of the easiest ways to mask the taste of kratom is by mixing it with food or beverages. Some popular options include:

• Orange juice: The acidity of the orange juice can help to balance out the bitterness of the kratom. Other citrus juices can also accomplish this, such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice. This is also thought to help increase the potency and onset of the kratom’s effects.
• Chocolate milk: Many users choose to use milk as a mixer, especially chocolate milk. The sweetness of the chocolate is helpful for hiding kratom’s flavor. Also, as confirmed in a 2023 study published in the journal Plants, kratom leaves contain tannins. Since tannins are natural, bitter-tasting compounds that bind to proteins, it is possible that the kratom’s tannins may bind to the milk’s proteins, removing the bitterness.
• Smoothies: Adding kratom to a smoothie is another great method. Start with a good base, such as yogurt, fruit juice, or peanut butter. Then add in other ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or chocolate to further help disguise kratom’s flavor. Aside from citrus fruits, other ideal fruit options include bananas, mangos, or peaches. Finally, smoothie boosters can be added, such as sweeteners like honey and agave or various flavored protein powders.
• Yogurt: Whether in a smoothie or on its own, the thick and creamy texture of yogurt mixes well with kratom, particularly Greek yogurt. Additional flavors can also be used to add sweetness, such as fruit or honey.
• Peanut Butter: Just like yogurt, peanut butter has a creamy texture that works well with kratom both in and out of a smoothie. Other nut butters are also good options, such as cashew or almond.

2.     Brewing Kratom Tea

Even though this is also a beverage, kratom tea deserves its own separate category. It is a method that includes many different brewing techniques and flavor possibilities, all of which boil down to personal preferences.

According to kratom.org, a kratom resource based on user experiences and scientific evidence, kratom tea has several benefits over other methods, including:

• Better taste
• Easier preparation
• Less digestive side effects
• Faster absorption

Kratom tea can be made with kratom powder or crushed-leaf kratom, each with their own brewing tricks to achieve the best results. For instance, variables like time, temperature, and dosage can all produce different qualities of tea. Also, other considerations include whether to strain the tea and how to prevent foaming. Therefore, while ease of preparation may be a benefit of kratom tea, it does depend on being knowledgeable about the specific brewing technique used.

When it comes to flavors, some ingredients that work best include:

• Cinnamon
• Mint
• Ginger
• Citrus
• Green tea
• Licorice
• Vanilla

3.     Taking Kratom Capsules

Capsules are a convenient way to take kratom without having to taste it. However, capsules can be more expensive than other methods of taking kratom. Also, the gel cap is like a barrier that the body must first break down before getting to the kratom, so capsules take relatively longer to take effect.

According to neuroscientist Michele Ross’ book Kratom is Medicine: Natural Relief for Anxiety, Pain, Fatigue, and More, kratom capsules take about 30-45 minutes to kick in. In comparison, kratom tea takes about 10-30 minutes, while the most direct methods like toss and wash and parachuting may only take about 5-10 minutes.

4.    Toss and Wash Method

If you’ve ever taken a shot of hard liquor followed by a milder chaser to help balance out the harsh taste of the shot, then you are already familiar with the concept of the toss and wash method of taking kratom. This method involves putting the kratom powder in your mouth and then washing it down with water or another beverage.

While this method is quick and effective, it is not for everyone. Just like taking shots, some people find the taste of kratom to be too strong to endure even for a moment. Meanwhile, others have no problem with it at all.

5.    Parachuting Kratom

Similar to the concept of a capsule, parachuting kratom means to wrap the powder up in a thin piece of paper before swallowing it whole, such as toilet paper or rice paper. Edible films called oblate discs can also be used instead of paper.

The effects can be felt more quickly than with a capsule, as the paper dissolves faster than gel capsules. In both methods, however, there is a barrier between the powder and your taste buds that helps avoid the bitter kratom flavor. Parachuting is also very similar to toss and wash, as it is helpful to wash the kratom parachute down with a strongly flavored or textured drink.

While parachuting does mask the taste of kratom well and takes effect quickly, it is also a choking hazard, and it may cause side effects like nausea or vomiting. It is advised to start with a small dose and not to parachute on an empty stomach.

The Best is Yet to Come

Good news: The very best way to consume kratom is almost here. However, we can’t yet reveal the new kratom product that MT Brands is launching soon. All we can say is to stay tuned for the company’s upcoming announcement that will revolutionize the kratom industry.

It is sure to check all the boxes most important to kratom users better than any of the previous methods mentioned. Flavor? Check! Potency? Check! Convenience? Check! Price? Check!

Get ready to taste kratom in a whole new way!