The use of bitter principles (compounds that impart a bitter taste, found in herbs like gentian, dandelion, and artichoke) to support or treat sugar cravings is supported by some scientific rationale, though high-quality clinical evidence is limited. Bitter compounds activate bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Research suggests that stimulating these receptors can influence the release of gut hormones such as ghrelin, GLP-1, and CCK, which are involved in appetite regulation, satiety, and glucose metabolism (Steinert et al., 2017; Mennella et al., 2016). Some small studies have shown that consuming bitters before or with a meal can reduce appetite and subsequent calorie intake, potentially lowering cravings for sweets due to enhanced feelings of fullness or altered reward pathways. However, direct evidence that bitters specifically reduce sugar cravings, as opposed to general appetite, is sparse and largely extrapolated from mechanisms or animal studies. Traditional medicine systems have also used bitters to balance digestion and appetite, but scientific validation for sugar-specific craving reduction remains modest. Systematic reviews and clinical guidelines do not yet recommend bitters as a primary intervention for sugar cravings, but ongoing research into gut–brain signaling may provide more insights in the future.

• Steinert, R.E., et al. (2017). Bitter taste receptors and regulation of appetite. Frontiers in Physiology.
• Mennella, I., et al. (2016). Bitter taste receptor agonists modulate gastric motility and satiation in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.