Student Tea Party with Gymnema Tea

How does Gymnema tea impact the taste of sweetness?

You will taste some sweet foods and rate them before and after drinking a “glucose blocker” tea that is used to control blood glucose levels in some parts of the world. Gymnema tea is not usually found in stores but is available to purchase online.

Instructions:

  • Brew some Gymnema tea by putting a tea bag or loose tea in hot water for a few minutes. (Your teacher may do this for you in class).

  • Choose 3-6 sweet foods to rate.

  • Put the food in your mouth and rate your taste perception on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = Not Sweet, 5=Sweet, 10=Extremely Sweet)

  • Taste and rate all the foods before drinking the tea.

  • Pour a small amount of Gymnema tea in a cup.

  • Swirl the tea in your mouth for about 10 seconds. You may swallow it or spit it out.

  • Taste the same foods again and rate them.

(The effects of Gymnema may last about 30 minutes)

What foods should I try?

Anything you have on hand can work! If possible, try the following:

  • Table sugar

  • Artificial sweetener, such as Equal or Splenda

  • Apple slice

  • Chocolate piece

  • Hard candy

  • Gummi candy


Need a data table? Make a copy of the one below or create your own.

Gymnema Tea Party Data Table

When finished with this page, go to Part 2: Taste Buds in Your Mouth