An Australian reality TV star has tapped into a bizarrely specific shared experience on TikTok, after confessing she sometimes gets a distinct taste of onion with the first sip of her morning coffee.
The Viral Morning Mystery
Cassidy McGill, known for appearing on Love Island Australia, described the odd sensation as a fleeting 'savoury twang' that appears only in the initial mouthfuls. She explained the flavour doesn't permeate the entire drink, vanishing almost as quickly as it arrives.
'I don't know what's going on with my tastebuds but I need to know if anyone else experiences this?' she asked her followers. The star even admitted her immediate thought is often panic, wondering 'am I pregnant?' before concluding that, barring a phantom pregnancy, it was impossible.
Her query was met with a flood of recognition. 'I have never felt so seen. YES this is a thing and it wigs me out so bad,' one user replied. Another offered a theory: 'This has happened to me it's apparently something our bodies can do whilst we sleep… something about the bacteria that builds up in our mouths overnight.'
Not Alone: A Community of Confused Coffee Drinkers
The phenomenon is not confined to TikTok. A dedicated Reddit thread explores the mysterious 'onion taste', with many reporting it strikes randomly with both homemade and takeaway brews. The experience is described as inconsistent and not lasting.
'I've noticed it from several different places so I'm not sure what it would be,' shared one woman. 'I do like onion flavour in food and can tolerate it but not when it's a weird random flavour in my coffee.' Others expressed relief, with one stating: '[It tastes like this] EVERY TIME and I thought it was my taste palate destroying the coffee experience for me.'
From Synesthesia to Science: The Theories Explained
So what causes this savoury intrusion? Theories from the online community vary wildly. Some compare it to genetic taste variations, like those who perceive coriander as soapy. Others suggested synesthesia, a neurological condition where stimulation of one sense triggers another.
However, baristas and coffee experts provide a more grounded, scientific explanation. They point to coffee that cools too slowly, which can develop unusual flavour compounds. These are sometimes described as oniony, sulfur-like, or even reminiscent of barbecue.
This is considered the most probable cause. Chemical compounds in coffee beans can produce a surprising range of flavours based on factors like temperature changes, over-fermentation, and bean origin. Notes often labelled as 'oniony', 'earthy', 'mushroomy', or 'vinegary' can emerge under specific conditions.
While the explanation might not be comforting, it offers validation. Anyone who has ever grimaced at a sudden savoury note in their flat white can now rest assured: they are certainly not imagining it.
