The Surprising Sixth Taste: Toxic Ingredient Uncovered in Popular Candy

Researchers have discovered a sixth taste that responds to ammonium chloride, a chemical commonly found in Scandinavian candy. The taste, which is in addition to sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami, is detected by the OTOP1 protein in taste buds. The study found that mice lacking the OTOP1 protein did not mind the taste of ammonium chloride, while those with the protein were repulsed. Humans were also found to be sensitive to the taste. The presence of this taste is believed to be a biological trait for survival, as ammonium chloride can be toxic. Further research is needed to understand sensitivity differences between species.