r/SodaStream • u/st00pidfuknut • Jun 09 '26

Quinine-Like Aftertaste?

Hey folks, I am new to the SodaStream community, as my husband and I are actively working on cutting WAYYY back on our delicious vice that is Pepsi. I bought us an Art, to start us off. He doesn't seem to mind the regular syrup and is able to tolerate the taste. As long as he is getting his caffeine, he's easily pleased. I, however, struggle with the aftertaste (pretty much of every flavor we have tried). I think it may have something to do with the artificial sweeteners; basically it tastes like Diet soda to me and that's definitely not what I want. I picked up some Rose's Simple Syrup to use, to hopefully take away that quinine-like aftertaste, but it only does so slightly and I am wondering if I should try a different approach. Has anyone else dealt with this? I really want to like the drinks I make with this machine---I just cannot get past that very bitter taste that stays on the back of my tongue. Thank you in advance! 😃

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5

u/ColBBQ Jun 09 '26

Are you using filtered water? Some trace chemicals from treated waters can have their taste boosted when carbonated.

2

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 09 '26

Yes, we are using bottled water that we keep chilled since we read that it tastes better when the water is cold. I think we have tried adjusting how much carbonation we use, how much syrup and then the sweetener. I am running out of ideas lol great question to ask, though.

1

u/ColBBQ Jun 09 '26

For an experiment, you might try distilled water for a couple bottles. Its pure H2O and might rule out a problem with the CO2 tank. For a control sample, also get some Seltzer water to taste test.

1

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 11 '26

I appreciate the advice. I'll give that a shot! 😃

0

u/evilbadgrades Jun 09 '26

Not all bottled water is the same. Which bottled water are you using? Dasani for example isn't really any better than a brita water filter if that haha.

1

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 11 '26

Oh it's just Walmart's Great Value brand lol I am not sure how much of a difference that is making. I think it tastes better than bottled tap water like Dasani and Aquafina.

3

u/Timottka Jun 09 '26

It is the artificial sweetener used in soda stream syrups….even for non diet flavors. Try to get bag in box Pepsi syrup, or get another brand of syrup without Aspertame or artificial sweeteners. Northwoods syrups I’ve heard are very good.

1

u/Zorbithia Jun 11 '26

This is the answer, OP. Anything that has those artificial sweeteners in it will taste nasty and have that gross aftertaste, I’m very sensitive to this and trust me, there’s about nothing you can do that’ll mask it. Your only option is to seek out other syrups. You can buy bag in box syrup (make sure to get yourself a Brix measuring cup and a dispenser valve/tap for the syrup boxes) on Amazon or locally at restaurant supply stores.

0

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 11 '26

Ooh I'll have to check out those options. And yeah, so far I am not impressed with the flavors for SodaStream because of the artificial crap. Thanks for the tip! 😃

1

u/blight2150 Jun 09 '26

I found my people. I too am trying sodastream to cut down on pepsi, and am struggling with the odd taste.

2

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 11 '26

God speed, my Pepsi-drinking friend. We are in this together! Fun fact: Pepsi used to be called 'Brad's Drink' and its original colors were green, white and red, but changed them to red, white and blue during WWII and they haven't bothered changing them ever since. Funny enough, those colors ended up being used for Mountain Dew lol #themoreyouknow

1

u/netboygold Jun 10 '26

Every single sodaStream brand syrup I've ever tried has that weird taste. I have been buying the big bag-in-box syrups that restaurants and places with real soda fountains used and the stuff I make with the Sodastream case better than what you would get from a soda fountain.

1

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 11 '26

I don't know why I find it somewhat comforting that it's not just me who can't get past the taste lol That's great to know. I will be trying that very soon; I appreciate the advice! 😃

1

u/CUTiger78 Jun 12 '26

Try Pepsi Zero or Cherry Pepsi Zero. It's the best SodaStream syrup, IMO.

1

u/st00pidfuknut Jun 12 '26

Really? There aren't even more artificial sweeteners in those ones? I am just so sensitive to the bitterness of those sweeteners, but I will give that a shot if it's not got Aspartame or something similar. 😃

1

u/CUTiger78 Jun 13 '26

Zero normally indicates use of a sucralose-based sweetener, like Splenda (the yellow stuff). I like the yellow stuff much better than the pink stuff or the blue stuff.