Products that are sugar-free, or are low in sugar (or low in artificial sweeteners), are disclosed herein that comprise extracts from the leaves of the Erythroxylum plant, and one or more plant products, such as cocoa powder, wherein the perceived bitterness of the plant product(s) is reduced. Extracts from other plants, such as Hibiscus and Valerian root, can be used to reduce perceived bitterness. The Figure shows brain scans of humans exposed to sugar (left), or cocaine (right).
Use of coca leaf or Valerian root to reduce bitterness in foods containing unsweetened cocoa