Latest news with #taste
Health Line
03-06-2025
- General
- Health Line
What Does a Vagina Taste Like?
A healthy vulva — which includes the labia and vaginal opening — might taste or smell sweet or sour, metallic or bitter, salty or sharp. You might even notice faint hints of what you last ate. The taste can even vary throughout the month, thanks to your menstrual cycle. Blood can affect the way it tastes, as can the white discharge that's common with ovulation. But as long as you don't experience any unusually strong scents — think fishy odors or whiffs of something foul — your smell and taste are fine, whatever they may be. Read on to learn more about what it may taste like, why it might change, and what you can do if the taste or smell seems off. Some vaginas taste metallic or have a penny-like flavor The vagina — that is, the internal canal — is naturally acidic. That's a good thing. It's how the vagina balances the bacteria that blossom down below. But that natural acidity can translate to some flavors that are stronger than neutral. Some people might describe this as a metallic or penny-like flavor. Others may even call it a 'battery' taste. A metallic taste may actually be more common in the days after menstruation, as trace amounts of blood may still be in and around the vagina. Blood naturally has a metallic taste because of its iron content. Vaginas aren't supposed to taste or smell like flowers or fruit If Mother Nature had intended for your vaginal area to smell like a flower stand or freshly-cut fruit, that's what your vulva would offer. Instead, the natural smell and taste are as close to neutral as your body can get, if not without hints of sweat, musk, and body odor. After all, the vulva is often under layers of clothing, and anything that has been damp for a while can develop a stale smell or taste. That doesn't mean anything is wrong. It's just the nature of bacteria, body fluids, and vulvas. Your only concern should be a fishy vaginal odor or an otherwise foul profile Certain conditions or infections can cause foul smells in your vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, often causes a yellow or gray discharge and a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor that people might describe as fishy. Trichomoniasis, a type of sexually transmitted infection, can also cause odors that closely resemble dead fish. Unusual discharge may also occur. If you or a partner detects a truly unpleasant odor, it's time to contact a gynecologist. They can investigate the possible cause and provide treatment to restore your smell and flavor. If something tastes off, it's most likely because of your vaginal pH The taste can be a lot of types — salty, bitter, metallic, sour — but what it shouldn't be is funky. If your vaginal area suddenly develops strong odors or tastes, it could be that there's a disruption in your natural pH balance. The vagina does a good job of maintaining the bacterial status quo. But the bacteria may skew when a new bath product or medication upends it. That can lead to inflammation, itching, or even infection, which can all cause unusual smells and tastes. A change in vaginal taste could be because of your diet Some foods affect how your vaginal area tastes, but the list is short — and no, it doesn't include pineapple. Asparagus, which can make urine smell strong, might also affect the way you taste. Anecdotal reports describe it as 'grassy' or 'green.' Curry and other heavily-spiced foods may also have an impact. These foods often produce sweat with a distinct smell. Sweat in your groin may interfere with your vulva's natural aroma and taste. Alcohol and tobacco use can also affect vaginal taste Your vagina may taste a bit off if your partner goes down on you after a night of drinking. That's because alcohol can increase perspiration. It might even affect the taste of that sweat and your body fluids. Depending on the type of drink you had, the taste may be bitter or sour. Sugary drinks, for example, might interfere with your taste. Tobacco use might affect how much you sweat and your perspiration potency, which can affect your natural smell and flavor. For example, tobacco use might cause acidic or bitter flavors. It may even cause a sour or stale taste. Your skin and hair can also absorb the odors of smoking tobacco, so the pungent smell may affect your taste. In some cases, a change in vaginal taste stems from your hygiene practices The vagina is a self-cleaning entity. Left alone, it can and will care for itself and maintain a healthy pH balance, so long as outside forces don't interfere. You need only wash the outside — the vulva — with mild soap and water when you bathe. If you don't follow regular hygiene practices or wash yourself regularly, you may develop unusual or off-putting smells and tastes. To properly wash, rinse the vulva and groin with warm water. You can use soap if you want — just be careful not to get any inside your vaginal canal. Spread the lips of your labia apart and use a washcloth or your hands to clean around the folds. Also, wash your anus and the area between your anus and your vaginal opening. If it isn't clean, this area can affect the odor and taste of your vagina. Skip the specialty washes and so-called 'feminine hygiene' products Because your vagina does such a good job taking care of its own health, you really don't need to use any specialty products to help it along or mask any odors you think are bad. (Again, if you think your taste or smell is repellent, contact a doctor instead of using body spray to cover it up.) Many soaps, gels, and washes may seem well-intentioned, but they can worsen a condition or infection if there is one. They can also upend your natural pH level, which might invite bacterial growth. It's a good idea to leave the 'feminine hygiene' products, like washes, sprays, and deodorizers, on the store shelf and let your body and vagina fend for themselves. If you really want to change the way your vagina tastes, try this No scientific studies suggest you can change your vulva's taste or confirm ways you might do this. Temporary sprays and washes might mask or deodorize briefly, but there's little you can do permanently. If you're determined to find a way to make your vaginal area smell or taste more flowery and fresh, you might try to: Limit certain foods before sex: Asparagus and spicy or heavily-flavored foods might cause scented sweat or body odor. Limit alcohol and tobacco use before sex: Tobacco and alcohol can affect body odor and sweat, too. Ultimately, these foods may make the area taste more bitter, sour, or metallic. Don't eat right before it's time to go down: If your partner wants to pop a piece of gum and spit it out just before doing the ABCs on your clitoris, by all means, let them. But keep in mind that what you eat affects how your vagina tastes. It's a good idea to skip eating 30 minutes before they plan to go downtown. Try not to worry: How you taste and smell is typical unless you're getting whiffs of dead fish or rotting seaweed. The bottom line Your vulva's natural scent and flavor aren't like anyone else's, and they can change throughout your life, even monthly. As long as you aren't having symptoms of an infection, your smell and taste are just fine. But if you're worried that your odor might be off, talk with a healthcare professional. They can look for any underlying concerns, whether it's a matter of hygiene or an untreated infection.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
9 best instant coffees to buy in 2025, taste-tested
Sometimes the quick ease of instant coffee means we're left with a tasteless, murky-watered liquid or something acidic, bitter and frankly undrinkable. But the best instant coffees combine great taste with convenience. The beverage aisle of any supermarket is now crammed full of instant coffee brands of various price points and gimmicks. In fact, it's sometimes mind-boggling to work out which is best for value and taste. With coffee producers trying to eradicate the somewhat dull and archaic image of instant coffee, many are becoming creative with their USP – our review includes a recently launched brand that uses legal drugs in its recipe, and others that are using unique flavours such as cherry bakewell and Havana rum! But while some are looking for something a little different, many of you will be calling out for a standard quick-and-easy cup of coffee to grab straight after the kettle's boiled, and we've got the basics covered below. With all the instant coffees we tried for this, we popped one or two teaspoons (depending on the instructions) into our favourite mug, and after we boiled the kettle, we waited for it to cool slightly before pouring in. We were looking for a delight to the nose as well as a rich and smooth taste and an energising pick-me-up for those 6am starts and 3pm slumps. How we tested To find the best instant coffees, we tested a range of popular and specialty brands, preparing each according to its instructions. All coffees were sampled black to fairly evaluate flavor, aroma, and texture. However, some are recommended with a splash of milk. We judged each one based on taste, aroma, and value. We also took into consideration packaging quality and ease of use. quality and performance. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews When it came to choosing the right expert for this review, Bess Browning was a natural choice. As a journalist and editor who has been contributing to IndyBest's reviews since 2021, she specialises in food and drink, having tested everything from healthy cookbooks to cheese hampers. Bess considers herself somewhat of a coffee connoisseur and has used her expertise to steer her selection of the best instant coffees below. The best instant coffees for 2025 are:
ABC News
18-05-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Mango Genes: Breeding better mangoes
Skip to main content Specially trained tasting panels are helping to breed better mangoes. Scientists trying to perfect the ideal variety for the Australian market and palate are breeding for tree height, yield, blush, and of course taste.
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Secrets of great McDonald's coffee, plus two fishermen making record-breaking catch
BETTER BREW: A McDonald's chef reveals why coffee from the fast-food giant tastes so good. PICTURE PERFECT: A new AI tool called FaceAge can estimate biological age and predict survival odds. BIG CATCH: Two lucky anglers in West Virginia break state fishing records on the same day. PRIME DEALS – Amazon Prime members get ready because Prime Days are back this July with bigger-than-ever savings. Continue reading… CALLING ALL CROSSWORD PUZZLE LOVERS! – Play our Fox News daily crossword puzzle for free here! And not just one — check out the multiple offerings. See the puzzles... Fox News FirstFox News Opinion
National Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
The Votes Are In: Violife Elected Canada's Favourite Dairy Free Cheese
Article content Article content TORONTO — It's been a busy election season for Canadians, but when it comes to taste, one clear winner swept the polls — by capturing a third of all dairy free cheese sales, Canadians have spoken: Violife is the country's #1 dairy free cheese brand!* After just four years in the Canadian market, Violife has unseated the category-leading incumbent, proving that taste, texture, and versatility wins votes. Article content 'This landmark victory is a testament to the power of unparalleled taste and exceptional texture. In this season of heated competition, we're honoured that Canadians have voted with their wallet and entrusted us with their tastebuds,' says Meryem Leyoussi, Commercial & Brand Lead, Violife Canada. 'Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering on our platform—ensuring Canadians never have to compromise on flavour, texture, or melt when choosing dairy free cheese.' Article content Violife's #1 ranking follows a string of victories along the campaign trail, including: Article content BrandSpark ® 2025 'Best New Product' Award for the Violife Creamy Block** Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards Finalist for the Violife Creamy Block The #1 dairy free Cream Cheese Brand*** in Canada Launch of Violife's new & improved Mozzarella and Cheddar Shreds, reformulated for better flavour, melting, and stretching performance. Article content With unbelievably cheesy flavour and exceptional performance, it's no surprise that Violife has captured the hearts and tastebuds of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Violife's line-up is as delicious as it is versatile, and includes multiple market-leading cream cheeses, including a Canadian first-of-its-kind: a whippable, spreadable, bakeable dairy free cream cheese block. Article content 'This win isn't a destination, rather a milestone on our journey of pushing the boundaries of what dairy free can be,' continues Leyoussi. 'We're eager to earn even more votes from Canadians of all dietary and lifestyle preferences as we continue to innovate and deliver the best dairy free cheese experience.' Article content About Violife Violife is a leading brand dedicated to crafting delicious, high-quality, plant-based alternatives to dairy products that are free from dairy, nuts, soy and gluten, and are made using non-GMO ingredients and plant-based oils. Committed to innovation and taste, Violife's range of dairy free cheeses and spreads offers a delectable experience without compromising on taste or texture. With a mission to revolutionize the plant-based food industry, Violife continues to push boundaries and delight taste buds worldwide. Article content Today the Violife dairy free product range in Canada includes these 12 flavours and formats: Article content Shreds – Cheddar Style, Mozzarella Style and Tex-Mex Style Slices – Cheddar Style, Mature Cheddar Style, and Smoked Provolone Style Cream Cheese – Creamy Original, Creamy with Chives, Creamy Block Wedge – Parmesan Style Block – Feta Style, Mediterranean 'Grill Me' Article content A selection of Violife products can be found across Canada at major grocery retailers, natural/specialty stores, and vegan shops, with suggested retail product pricing ranging from Cdn $5.99 to Cdn $7.99 per package. Article content To learn more about Violife, please visit and check out @violife_foods on Instagram for recipe inspiration – from dairy free dinners to delicious vegan desserts. Article content About Flora Food Group Branded food champion Flora Food Group delivers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents. We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, culinary and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100+ countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, BlueBand, Country Crock, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business. We have 150+ years of heritage, deep R&D expertise and a relentless commitment to delivering delicious, nutritious food. We operate 15 manufacturing sites across five continents. In Canada, Flora Food Group is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with a manufacturing facility in Brantford, Ontario. Visit for more information. Article content *Nielsen, Canadian Dollar & Unit Sales of Alt Cheese, latest 12 weeks, week ending 01/25/2025. Violife ® dairy free cheese: 31.1% dollar share, 34.2% unit share of sales in the category. Article content **2025 Best New Product for Plant Based Cheese Spread determined by feedback in a national survey of over 12,400 Canadian consumers by BrandSpark International. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
