Miracle berries on the branch
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Miracle Berries: Do They Really Work?

You may have heard of miracle berries, but do they really work? Miracle berries, also known as synsepalum dulcificum or ledidi berry, claim to make sour foods taste sweet. But is that actually true? In this blog post, we will explore the science behind miracle berries and find out whether or not they really do work!

Miracle berries on the branch

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

What are miracle berries?

Miracle berries are small, red fruits that come from the miracle fruit tree. The scientific name for this fruit is synsepalum dulcificum. These berries have been used for centuries in West Africa, where they grow naturally. People there would chew on the berries before eating sour foods, such as tamarind or lemons, because the berries would help these foods taste sweet instead of sour or bitter.

How do miracle berries work?

The active ingredient in miracle berries is a protein called miraculin. Miraculin binds to the tongue’s taste buds and changes how they perceive sourness. This means that sour foods will taste sweet when you eat them after eating a miracle berry. The effect of the berry lasts for about an hour, after which your taste buds will return to normal.

How to use miracle berries

Miracle berry tablets against the white surface

If you want to try miracle berries for yourself, there are a few things you should know. If you can find fresh berries, you’ll probably experience the best results. These berries can often be found online or at a health food store. 

When eating fresh miracle berries, rinse them off and eat them whole. It’s best to eat them on an empty stomach so that you can fully enjoy the taste-changing effects. After eating the berries, wait for about 20 minutes before eating any sour foods. This will give the miraculin time to bind to your taste buds. 

You can also purchase miracle berry tablets. Each brand will have its own instructions, but generally, it is recommended to let the tablet dissolve completely on your tongue before eating.

What are the best foods to eat with miracle berries?

Some of the best foods to eat with miracle berries are citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes. Other options include sourdough bread, yogurt, and vinegar. Acidic and spicy foods such as salsa, mustard, and hot peppers can work well too. You can also use these berries to heighten the sweetness of already sweet foods, such as strawberries or pineberries.

Get creative with this and experiment with different foods to see what tastes best to you!

So, do these berries really work?

Miracle berries and miracle berry flower

The short answer is yes! Miracle berries do change the way your taste buds perceive sourness. However, it is worth noting that not everyone experiences the same effect from miracle berries. Some people find that the berries have little to no effect on their taste buds. Others find that the effect is not as pronounced as they would like. If you are interested in trying miracle berries, it is best to try them for yourself and see how they work for you.

You can watch my own taste test with these berries here! It was definitely an experience!

Are miracle berries good for reducing sugar?

Although miracle berries can make sour foods taste sweet, they are not a substitute for sugar. In fact, miracle berries actually contain a small amount of sugar themselves, like most fruits. But, if you are looking for a natural way to add sweetness to your food without using sugar, then miracle berries may be a good option for you.

What are the side effects of miracle berries?

Miracle berries are generally considered to be safe. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects after eating miracle berries, it is best to stop consuming them and see a doctor if necessary.

Where can I buy miracle berries?

Grocery store and shelfs with products

Yes, miracle berries are available for purchase in some stores. However, they can be quite expensive. Miracle berry tablets are also available for purchase online and tend to be more affordable while having a longer shelf life.

If you’re interested in trying miracle berries, eating the whole, fresh berry may provide the best taste enhancement. However, if you want to save money, you can also purchase miracle berry tablets. And the tablets still do a great job enhancing taste. 

Whichever option you choose, make sure to try them for yourself and see if they really do work for you!

Have you ever tried miracle berries? What did you think of them? Let me know by tagging me on Instagram @erinpalinskiwade or on TikTok at @tiktoknutritionist. And if you like this post, check out What are Pineberries and Everything You Need to Know About Coffee Berry as well.

4 Comments

  1. I recently found out that the bushes we were dared to eat from as kids over here in Australia have been miracle berry bushes this entire time.

  2. I don’t get it. I love sour & spicy food, why would I want to change that taste!?

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