When it comes to filling out a crowd-pleasing party spread, guacamole is a staple. It’s delicious, filling, and low-maintenance. But as you stock up on the rest of your party essentials at the grocery store, you might think twice about tossing a pre-packaged guacamole in your cart and instead, grab some ingredients to make it homemade.
If this plot sounds all too familiar, we hear you. There’s something that feels distinctly off about the store-bought stuff. Of course, homemade will always be superior, but why does the store-bought kind taste so strange?
It wasn’t until a team meeting with the food editors here at Allrecipes that we realized exactly what about the flavor is so displeasing: it makes your tongue tingle. And since then, it’s become a new, riveting food curiosity, right up there with ‘Why is deli meat rainbow?’ and ‘What are bacon bits actually made of?'
Let us explain. Sometimes after eating a bite of store-bought guac, a strange feeling lingers on your tongue that almost tickles, like you’re having some kind of reaction. But fear not (unless you have a known allergy to an ingredient in the dip), this sensation is happening to all of us guac snackers.
Why Does Store-Bought Guacamole Make Your Tongue Tingle?
The most likely answer is an ingredient most people don't put in their homemade recipe but is in almost all store-bought versions.
Citric acid is a commonly used flavoring and preservative in mass food production. This ingredient is used to prevent enzymatic browning and infuse a tart, bright flavor. It plays the same role as a squeeze of fresh lime juice in a guacamole recipe but to a greater extent.
Citric acid lives in the FDA’s list of foods “generally recognized as safe” and is commonly recognized for giving candy its sour properties. Although it occurs naturally in citrus fruits, it can also be extracted on an industrial scale from other foods.
Another common flavoring and preservative is ascorbic acid, and although it is also naturally found in citrus, it's very different from citric acid. Citric acid is more acidic and works better to lower the pH in the food, while ascorbic acid is better at preserving the color of the food. Also, citric acid tastes more sour while ascorbic acid has a saltier flavor.
Citric acid, ascorbic acid, or even a combination of the two are commonly added to the dip to preserve the bright hue.
Meanwhile, when an avocado is cut or mashed, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase is released in the fruit (the same enzyme that causes browning when the bright green flesh is exposed to air). When polyphenol oxidase reacts with the added acid in the guacamole, it can sometimes cause a tingling sensation on the tongue.
So, the same reason why the store-bought guacamole stays bright and beautiful after a few days in the fridge is the same reason it makes your tongue feel funny.
How To Avoid Tongue-Tingling Guacamole
The best-tasting guacamole is the one that’s homemade and luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a fresh and creamy avocado dip that maintains its vibrant green color without any preservatives. You can also give it your own flavor spin with cream cheese, Serrano chilis, or even mango.
If you’re in a pinch and need to grab one in your grocery run, opt for the fresh-made options typically found in the bakery section.
FAQs
When polyphenol oxidase reacts with the added acid in the guacamole, it can sometimes cause a tingling sensation on the tongue. So, the same reason why the store-bought guacamole stays bright and beautiful after a few days in the fridge is the same reason it makes your tongue feel funny.
Why does store-bought guacamole taste so bad? ›
The most likely answer is an ingredient most people don't put in their homemade recipe, but is in almost all store-bought versions. Citric acid is a commonly used flavoring and preservative in mass food production.
Why does guacamole taste fizzy? ›
Our second dish was the Guacamole which to our surprise was actually fizzy - Yes FIZZY Guacamole! I googled this phenomenon, basically it means the lemon juice is fermenting due to being old and left too long.
What are the ingredients in premade guacamole? ›
Hass Avocados, Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Contains 2% Or Less Of Lime Juice, Garlic, Salt, Serrano Peppers.
Why does my guacamole taste bitter? ›
An avocado that is not ripe will be bitter.
How can you tell if store-bought guacamole is bad? ›
Refrigerated store-bought guacamole like Wholly Guacamole usually remains edible for 5 to 7 days after opening, assuming it is stored properly in the fridge. However, looking for any changes in color, smell, and texture is essential to determine if the guacamole has gone bad, as these are clear indicators of spoilage.
How do you make store-bought guacamole taste better? ›
16 Ways To Add More Flavor To Store-Bought Guacamole
- Drizzle homemade vinaigrette into store-bought guacamole. ...
- Give it a touch of mayonnaise. ...
- Load up store-bought guacamole with fruit. ...
- Put corn in store-bought guacamole. ...
- Give it depth with smoked paprika or cayenne powder.
Meanwhile, when an avocado is cut or mashed, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase is released in the fruit (the same enzyme that causes browning when the bright green flesh is exposed to air). When polyphenol oxidase reacts with the added acid in the guacamole, it can sometimes cause a tingling sensation on the tongue.
When not to eat avocado? ›
Avocados are rotten if they're mushy when squeezed, brown or moldy inside, and have developed rancidity or a sour smell. You may be able to salvage part of the fruit if it's just starting to brown inside and the rest of the fruit looks, smells, and tastes fine.
Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›
You see, lime is a very strong acidic flavor and it can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the avocado. Instead, finely dice red onions and pickle them with lime juice for 15-30 minutes.
Store brands tend to be higher in sodium than homemade versions. But you still want to be careful not to have too heavy of a hand when adding salt at home. Some store brands also contain added sugar, an ingredient most Americans already get too much of—and one that is unnecessary in guacamole.
Does Taco Bell use real guacamole? ›
Add the fact that our guacamole is made with real Haas avocados and you've got a taste-bud symphony going on here.
Why is my mouth bitter after eating avocado? ›
A person may develop an oral allergy after eating avocado. An oral allergy occurs when the proteins in avocado confuse the immune system to trigger an allergic reaction. Most symptoms of oral avocado allergy occur in the lips, mouth, and tongue.
Why put olive oil in guacamole? ›
Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and imparts a subtle richness to guacamole that makes it even more satisfying. In addition, it can help to prevent the avocado from turning brown too quickly by forming a barrier between the surface of the guacamole and the air.
Why does my guacamole not taste good? ›
Choosing unripe avocados
Perhaps the biggest mistake people fall into when making their homemade guacamole is choosing an avocado that isn't quite ripe or one that has over-ripened.
Why do avocados taste bad now? ›
Ripe avocados have a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma and somewhat nutty flavor. As the fruit spoils, it may develop an abnormal taste and odor. If it has a sour taste or smell, it may have bacterial spoilage and should be discarded. A chemical odor and taste may mean it's rancid.
Is packaged guacamole bad for you? ›
Homemade guacamole is a quick, easy, and healthier choice. Store-bought guacamole often contains sour cream, added sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and a lot of sodium. However, there are some brands, such as Wholly Guacamole, that sell individual pre-portioned guacamole dip packs.
How does store bought guacamole not turn brown? ›
Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub. Put it in the fridge.
