Why cilantro tastes like soap to some people—and why it might not be your fault
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If you’ve ever bitten into a taco or spooned up some salsa only to be overwhelmed by a taste that reminds you of dish soap, you’re definitely not alone.
Cilantro is one of the most divisive herbs in the kitchen, praised by some for its fresh, zesty flavor and rejected by others who swear it ruins everything it touches.
While chefs and home cooks around the world love adding it to everything from guacamole to curry, a sizable portion of the population can’t stomach it.
So what’s behind this sharp divide in taste?
The answer lies in a surprising mix of genetics, chemistry, and even cultural background—and it may explain why your brain is telling you that cilantro doesn’t belong anywhere near your plate.
Why some people think cilantro tastes like soap
The reason cilantro tastes soapy to certain people has nothing to do with picky eating and everything to do with DNA.
Researchers have traced this aversion to a gene called OR6A2, which makes some people highly sensitive to aldehydes—a group of chemical compounds that cilantro naturally contains.
Coincidentally, aldehydes are also found in soaps and lotions, which is why some people make the unfortunate association when they take a bite.
Depending on your genetic background, you may be more or less likely to experience this.
Studies estimate that anywhere from 3% to 21% of people, with higher rates among those of European descent, experience the soapy flavor.
In contrast, people from South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American backgrounds are less likely to have the gene variant—and more likely to love cilantro.
Also read: Could your herbs be hiding more than just flavor?
Health benefits worth noting—even if you don’t love the taste
Even if cilantro isn’t your favorite flavor, it’s hard to deny its nutritional perks.
The herb is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate—all essential for immunity, bone health, and heart function.
It also contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making it a natural source of electrolytes.
On top of that, cilantro is low in calories and loaded with antioxidants and plant compounds that may support blood sugar regulation and digestion.
For those who enjoy it, cilantro can be a delicious and nutritious addition to salads, soups, rice bowls, and more.
Also read: Spice rack secrets: Herbs that may support your belly, brain, and more!
Is there a way to get used to it?
If cilantro tastes like soap to you, there may still be hope.
Some people have found that gradual exposure to cilantro—especially when it’s chopped finely, blended into sauces, or cooked into dishes—can reduce the unpleasant flavor.
Cooking cilantro helps break down the aldehydes that trigger the soapy reaction, making it more palatable.
Tips for giving it another shot:
Still not sold? Alternatives like parsley, mint, basil, or even a splash of lime can offer similar freshness without the polarizing taste.
Also read: Do your supermarket plants always die? Here’s what experts want you to know
Your microbiome might thank you
Cilantro also contributes to a healthy gut.
Dietitians recommend eating a variety of 30 different plant foods per week to support a thriving microbiome.
Even if you’re not a huge fan, a little sprinkle here and there can help diversify your diet and support digestion, immunity, and mood.
Also read: Spicy Tuna Salad
The great cilantro divide—more than just taste
Cilantro’s love-it-or-hate-it status has turned it into a bit of a pop culture icon.
There are online forums, T-shirts, and even memes devoted to the divide.
Whether it sparks debate at your dinner table or fuels creativity in the kitchen, cilantro clearly makes an impression.
Cilantro’s polarizing flavor may be rooted in genetics, but its role in global cuisine is undeniable.
Whether you sprinkle it liberally or leave it off your plate, knowing why it tastes the way it does can make your next meal a little more interesting.
And who knows—you might even inspire someone to give it another try.
Read next: Discover the "dinosaur time" trend that's helping people eat more greens
Are you Team Cilantro or Team Soap? Have you found ways to make peace with its flavor, or do you avoid it altogether? Share your tips, stories, or go-to substitutions in the comments. No matter where you fall on the cilantro spectrum, you’re in good company—and we’re always here for a good food debate!
Cilantro is one of the most divisive herbs in the kitchen, praised by some for its fresh, zesty flavor and rejected by others who swear it ruins everything it touches.
While chefs and home cooks around the world love adding it to everything from guacamole to curry, a sizable portion of the population can’t stomach it.
So what’s behind this sharp divide in taste?
The answer lies in a surprising mix of genetics, chemistry, and even cultural background—and it may explain why your brain is telling you that cilantro doesn’t belong anywhere near your plate.
Cilantro’s fresh green leaves may add flavor and color to dishes—but not everyone agrees on the taste. Image Source: YouTube / When You Garden.
Why some people think cilantro tastes like soap
The reason cilantro tastes soapy to certain people has nothing to do with picky eating and everything to do with DNA.
Researchers have traced this aversion to a gene called OR6A2, which makes some people highly sensitive to aldehydes—a group of chemical compounds that cilantro naturally contains.
Coincidentally, aldehydes are also found in soaps and lotions, which is why some people make the unfortunate association when they take a bite.
Depending on your genetic background, you may be more or less likely to experience this.
Studies estimate that anywhere from 3% to 21% of people, with higher rates among those of European descent, experience the soapy flavor.
In contrast, people from South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American backgrounds are less likely to have the gene variant—and more likely to love cilantro.
Also read: Could your herbs be hiding more than just flavor?
Health benefits worth noting—even if you don’t love the taste
Even if cilantro isn’t your favorite flavor, it’s hard to deny its nutritional perks.
The herb is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate—all essential for immunity, bone health, and heart function.
It also contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making it a natural source of electrolytes.
On top of that, cilantro is low in calories and loaded with antioxidants and plant compounds that may support blood sugar regulation and digestion.
For those who enjoy it, cilantro can be a delicious and nutritious addition to salads, soups, rice bowls, and more.
Also read: Spice rack secrets: Herbs that may support your belly, brain, and more!
Is there a way to get used to it?
If cilantro tastes like soap to you, there may still be hope.
Some people have found that gradual exposure to cilantro—especially when it’s chopped finely, blended into sauces, or cooked into dishes—can reduce the unpleasant flavor.
Cooking cilantro helps break down the aldehydes that trigger the soapy reaction, making it more palatable.
Tips for giving it another shot:
- Start with small amounts in strong-flavored dishes like salsa or chili.
- Try it blended into dressings or chutneys.
- Cook it to mellow out its flavor.
- Combine it with citrus juice to balance out the bitterness.
Still not sold? Alternatives like parsley, mint, basil, or even a splash of lime can offer similar freshness without the polarizing taste.
Also read: Do your supermarket plants always die? Here’s what experts want you to know
Your microbiome might thank you
Cilantro also contributes to a healthy gut.
Dietitians recommend eating a variety of 30 different plant foods per week to support a thriving microbiome.
Even if you’re not a huge fan, a little sprinkle here and there can help diversify your diet and support digestion, immunity, and mood.
Also read: Spicy Tuna Salad
The great cilantro divide—more than just taste
Cilantro’s love-it-or-hate-it status has turned it into a bit of a pop culture icon.
There are online forums, T-shirts, and even memes devoted to the divide.
Whether it sparks debate at your dinner table or fuels creativity in the kitchen, cilantro clearly makes an impression.
Cilantro’s polarizing flavor may be rooted in genetics, but its role in global cuisine is undeniable.
Whether you sprinkle it liberally or leave it off your plate, knowing why it tastes the way it does can make your next meal a little more interesting.
And who knows—you might even inspire someone to give it another try.
Read next: Discover the "dinosaur time" trend that's helping people eat more greens
Are you Team Cilantro or Team Soap? Have you found ways to make peace with its flavor, or do you avoid it altogether? Share your tips, stories, or go-to substitutions in the comments. No matter where you fall on the cilantro spectrum, you’re in good company—and we’re always here for a good food debate!
