<p>I'm not really sure what you're asking here. Bitterness in coffee can come from many sources, the quality of bean, the roast, whether or not you've burned it, etc. Sugar can reduce this bitterness by triggering other taste buds on your tongue.</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/c6cO5.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/c6cO5.jpg" alt="Tongue"></a></p>

<p>However, if you really want to cut the bitterness in coffee, <a href="http://altonbrown.com/how-to-brew-best-cup-of-coffee-at-home/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">just add the tiniest bit of salt (according to Alton Brown)</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Salt and Coffee:</strong> Not only does salt cut the bitterness of coffee, but it also smooths out the “stale” taste of tank-stored water. I’ve taken to adding a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt to every 6 tablespoons of grounds. That isn’t really enough to taste, but it’ll do the trick. And by the way, research has proven that salt is actually better at neutralizing bitterness than sugar.</p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-06T14:00:33.913Z
FYI, the "Tongue Map" is a misrepresentation and a false illustration of how taste is actually perceived in the mouth and by the brain. Unfortunately, most of us grew up learning this image in science classes which has actually been deemed a myth and a common misconception. [I've linked an older article but there is plenty of science to debunk this](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2828561/The-tongue-taste-map-WRONG-Flavours-actually-perceived-neurons-brain-scientists-reveal.html)
Geo
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-06T02:12:57.253Z
2016-04-06T02:12:57.253Z
durron597
<p>If you are asking whether the science can be trusted, I would say yes.  The effect is already well known.  You even understand it insomuch as you apparently don't drink more concentrated brews (espresso, aerpresso) without a "masking" agent. </p>

<p>All this study is doing is finding a more specific reason for the already acknowledged effect.  People commonly believe that sugar or salt "masks" the bitterness from caffeine.  This study is saying that sugar or salt are not just masking the bitterness, but actually changing the chemical properties of the caffeine in solution, thus changing the flavor.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-06T05:23:04.240Z
2016-04-06T05:23:04.240Z
Suspended User
<p>Abstract: Food and Function</p>

<p><a href="http://www.geek.com/science/sugar-changes-the-chemical-structure-of-tea-and-coffee-1630074/" rel="nofollow">Sugar changes the chemical structure of tea and coffee</a></p>

<p>Is this effect of sugar in water on coffee solids to be trusted? I like some coffees black (pourover, drip) and some never without sugar (espresso drinks, Aeropress) and sometimes with evaporated milk or cream. I work at a coffee shop as well. Some have said that sugar counteracts bitterness in coffees (I assume due to caffeine). Does this supposed scientific backing have any credibility?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-07T09:32:32.767Z
Hi, welcome to Coffee! Links may rot over time, leaving future readers confused about the details of your question. Please consider editing your question to include the crucial information from your links as a quote.
Nick Udell
<flavor><caffeine><sugar>
Effect of Sugar on Perceived Bitterness in Coffee
user18877
# Effect of Sugar on Perceived Bitterness in Coffee

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-04-05)

Abstract: Food and Function

[Sugar changes the chemical structure of tea and coffee](http://www.geek.com/science/sugar-changes-the-chemical-structure-of-tea-and-coffee-1630074/)

Is this effect of sugar in water on coffee solids to be trusted? I like some coffees black (pourover, drip) and some never without sugar (espresso drinks, Aeropress) and sometimes with evaporated milk or cream. I work at a coffee shop as well. Some have said that sugar counteracts bitterness in coffees (I assume due to caffeine). Does this supposed scientific backing have any credibility?

**Tags:** flavor, caffeine, sugar

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Hi, welcome to Coffee! Links may rot over time, leaving future readers confused about the details of your question. Please consider editing your question to include the crucial information from your links as a quote.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2016-04-06. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

If you are asking whether the science can be trusted, I would say yes. The effect is already well known. You even understand it insomuch as you apparently don't drink more concentrated brews (espresso, aerpresso) without a "masking" agent.

All this study is doing is finding a more specific reason for the already acknowledged effect. People commonly believe that sugar or salt "masks" the bitterness from caffeine. This study is saying that sugar or salt are not just masking the bitterness, but actually changing the chemical properties of the caffeine in solution, thus changing the flavor.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2016-04-06. Score: 2

I'm not really sure what you're asking here. Bitterness in coffee can come from many sources, the quality of bean, the roast, whether or not you've burned it, etc. Sugar can reduce this bitterness by triggering other taste buds on your tongue.

[![Tongue](https://i.sstatic.net/c6cO5.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/c6cO5.jpg)

However, if you really want to cut the bitterness in coffee, [just add the tiniest bit of salt (according to Alton Brown)](http://altonbrown.com/how-to-brew-best-cup-of-coffee-at-home/):

> **Salt and Coffee:** Not only does salt cut the bitterness of coffee, but it also smooths out the “stale” taste of tank-stored water. I’ve taken to adding a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt to every 6 tablespoons of grounds. That isn’t really enough to taste, but it’ll do the trick. And by the way, research has proven that salt is actually better at neutralizing bitterness than sugar.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: FYI, the "Tongue Map" is a misrepresentation and a false illustration of how taste is actually perceived in the mouth and by the brain. Unfortunately, most of us grew up learning this image in science classes which has actually been deemed a myth and a common misconception. [I've linked an older article but there is plenty of science to debunk this](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2828561/The-tongue-taste-map-WRONG-Flavours-actually-perceived-neurons-brain-scientists-reveal.html)  

---

