Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Bitter tastes refer to the flavor perception that is often associated with certain chemical compounds found in foods and beverages, causing an unpleasant and sharp sensation on the taste buds.
Related terms
Taste receptors: These are specialized cells on our taste buds that detect different flavors, including bitter tastes.
Evolutionary adaptation: This refers to how species develop certain traits over time due to natural selection, which may explain why humans have evolved sensitivity to bitter tastes.
Sweet preferences: The strong liking for sweet flavors can be contrasted with our sensitivity to bitter tastes, suggesting there might be other factors at play in explaining our taste preferences.