The Co-op Food Stores of New Hampshire and Vermont

Besides helping you save money, bulk products take less energy to produce and reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Browse our Bulk food listings by number or category. And check out the latest Q&A from the Bulk Department below.

Pine Mouth

by Jacob Vincent
Bulk Merchandiser

We had a small number of customers bring the issue of “pine mouth” to our attention last year, and at that time we distributed signs to all of our stores that were carrying bulk pine nuts and instructed staff to hang these signs at the point of sale for the product.

What is Pine Mouth?
Some of our customers have reported a long-lasting, bitter aftertaste when consuming our pine nuts. The bitter aftertaste due to eating pine nuts is known medically as metallogeusia and is known commonly as “pine mouth.” The FDA has categorized pine mouth as a “taste disturbance” and does not consider it an illness. It is theorized that some pine nuts sourced from China may be the cause of pine mouth. t this time, the Co-op is only able to source pine nuts from China.

Want to Know More?
We’re happy to help! Speak with a staff person in Bulk if you have any further questions or
concerns, or feel free to contact us.

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