Off-taste

An 'off-taste' describes a deviation from the expected or desired flavor of something, often food or beverages. This can encompass a range of undesirable sensations, including bitterness, staleness, sourness, metallic notes, or a generally unpleasant or unfamiliar flavor profile. It signifies a sensory experience where the taste is not as it should be, often indicating spoilage, improper storage, the use of low-quality ingredients, or some form of contamination. The perception of an off-taste can vary depending on individual taste preferences, and the intensity can range from subtle to overwhelmingly unpleasant, potentially making the item inedible. The term primarily emphasizes an undesirable and unexpected deviation from the anticipated sensory experience, causing a negative reaction to the consumer.

Off-taste meaning with examples

• The milk had an off-taste, almost like it was starting to sour. I immediately poured it down the drain, worried that it was spoiled. It was so unlike fresh milk from the store, almost bitter, and I didn't want to risk drinking it. I double-checked the expiration date after I discarded the milk, just in case I could get a refund.
• After the power outage, the thawed meat developed an off-taste. The freezer malfunctioned, and the meat warmed up which lead to the development of bacteria which altered its flavor. It wasn’t safe to eat. This experience taught them the importance of checking the freezer temperature and discarding potentially compromised food.
• The coffee at the new cafe had an off-taste, perhaps due to poorly cleaned equipment. I added extra sugar and cream to try to cover up the strange aftertaste, but it was still very obvious. I decided to switch to tea instead, hoping for a better flavor, as it was a real disappointment. The coffee was the one thing I looked forward to.
• The commercially made salad dressing had a distinct off-taste, described as overly artificial. It left a lingering chemical sensation on my tongue. I would never buy that brand of dressing again because the flavor was not fresh or enjoyable. I preferred to make my own from now on to guarantee fresh ingredients.
• The vintage wine had a slight off-taste, possibly corked or oxidized after years of storage. It lost its freshness due to age. The wine was past its prime, and it's flavor profile had degraded over time. Despite its reputation, the flavor was not there to taste it properly anymore.