4 Best Flavored Edible Lubes of 2023 (Tasted & Tested)

After 113.5 hours of research and testing, we’ve found the very best and safest flavored and edible personal lubricants to open up delicious options for oral sex.
aerial photograph of the best flavored and edible lubes with a bowl of fruit: ah yes wb, sliquid swirl, aloe cadabra, good clean love almost naked
We independently research and vet everything we recommend. Our team is supported by affiliate commissions. Learn more →
Updated:August 2023

Oral sex is a lot of fun and with a dash of flavored lube can transform into something novel, exciting, and delicious!

After 113.5 hours and 2+ years of cumulative research and personal (taste) testing by our team, we’ve concluded that Sliquid Swirl is the best flavored lube available, while AH! YES WB is the best unflavored edible lubricant to try, based on their stellar performance, taste, features, and price.

We’ll share the rest of our team’s yummiest top picks as well as those that didn’t make our list (and why), and tell you everything you need to know about flavored and edible lubes.

Our Top Recommendations

Best Overall (Flavored)
Also Good (Flavored)
Best Overall (Unflavored)
Also Good (Unflavored)
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
$12.99 (4 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Our team absolutely loves the sweet flavor and silky-smooth, never-sticky texture of Sliquid Swirl. This was hands-down the most flavorful lube of the entire bunch, featuring a bold array of 8 fruit-inspired flavor combinations sweetened without the use of sugar so it transitions from oral delights to penetrative fun with no irritation or discomfort. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: Available in 18 delicious flavors and scents to explore, our team found that Aloe Cadabra added a subtly sweet touch to oral and vaginal sex. We loved that the lightweight texture mimics our body’s natural lubrication and the 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera felt absolutely amazing on our skin — soothing it during and after use! [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: This is our team’s top recommendation if you’re searching for a long-lasting edible lubricant that has absolutely no flavor whatsoever. With AH! YES WB in hand (and mouth) you can enjoy your partner’s natural taste in all its glory. Made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, this one is ideal for those with sensitive skin. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: The sweet yet subtle lemon-vanilla scent doesn’t add flavor, yet it’s light and refreshing without being too overpowering during oral sex. If you’ve been searching for a personal lubricant that won’t mask your partner’s natural taste (but smells like heaven), this long-lasting lube, made from just 7 organic ingredients, is a team favorite. [Full Review + Video]

Best Overall (Flavored)
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Our team absolutely loves the sweet flavor and silky-smooth, never-sticky texture of Sliquid Swirl. This was hands-down the most flavorful lube of the entire bunch, featuring a bold array of 8 fruit-inspired flavor combinations sweetened without the use of sugar so it transitions from oral delights to penetrative fun with no irritation or discomfort. [Full Review + Video]

Also Good (Flavored)
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Available in 18 delicious flavors and scents to explore, our team found that Aloe Cadabra added a subtly sweet touch to oral and vaginal sex. We loved that the lightweight texture mimics our body’s natural lubrication and the 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera felt absolutely amazing on our skin — soothing it during and after use! [Full Review + Video]

Best Overall (Unflavored)
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: This is our team’s top recommendation if you’re searching for a long-lasting edible lubricant that has absolutely no flavor whatsoever. With AH! YES WB in hand (and mouth) you can enjoy your partner’s natural taste in all its glory. Made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, this one is ideal for those with sensitive skin. [Full Review + Video]

Also Good (Unflavored)
$12.99 (4 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: The sweet yet subtle lemon-vanilla scent doesn’t add flavor, yet it’s light and refreshing without being too overpowering during oral sex. If you’ve been searching for a personal lubricant that won’t mask your partner’s natural taste (but smells like heaven), this long-lasting lube, made from just 7 organic ingredients, is a team favorite. [Full Review + Video]

Our Research, Testing & Review Methodology:

  • Flavored & Edible Lube Requirements: 100% body-safe, glycerin, and sugar-free ingredients; trustworthy brand; safe pH and osmolality; quality formula that enhances oral sex (with or without added flavoring); delicious taste (when applicable); longevity during use; condom compatibility (when possible); and a user-friendly mess-free bottle design.
  • Flavored & Edible Lubricants Considered: 154
  • Products Tested: 5
  • Tested By: Zoë Tanner, Vanessa Russell, Alison Huff
  • Total Research Time: 113.5 hours over 2+ years (as of 5/17/2023)

— Our Research —

Best Flavored Lubes

When you’re in the mood for oral sex with a side of chocolate (or strawberry, mango, or even bacon, coffee, pizza, or cheese…yeah really!) flavored edible lubes can add an entirely new dimension to the entire experience.

Our top performers provide delicious flavoring without the use of sugar-based sweeteners that can increase the risk of yeast infections, making them equally safe for both oral and vaginal sex – but not anal sex.

→ Search Lube By Flavor:

Sliquid Swirl: Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Piña Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, Tangerine Peach

Aloe Cadabra: Chocolate, Lemongrass, Watermelon, Piña Colada, Naked Strawberry, Mango Passion, Cherry Lemonade, Tahitian Vanilla, Peppermint Tingle, Orange Cream, Banana Cream, Butter Rum, Key Lime Pie, Pumpkin Spice (seasonal), Candy Cane (seasonal), Gingerbread (seasonal), Wild Rose (seasonal)

Best Overall: Sliquid Swirl

Best Overall (Flavored)
Sliquid Swirl
4.9
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
Pros:
  • 8 Delicious Sugar-Free Natural Flavors
  • Light Taste Enhances Oral Sex
  • Great For Those Who Enjoy Thicker Lubes
  • Long-Lasting With Few Reapplications
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • Contains Aspartame (Potential Allergen)
  • May Leave Subtle "Diet Soda" Aftertaste
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
Osmolality: All flavors < 1200 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)
pH Level: 4.1 to 4.4 (Safe For Vaginal Use)
Bottom Line: Our testing team found that Sliquid Swirl enhances your partner’s natural flavor instead of masking it completely, making it perfect for those who want to indulge in a little sweet treat without feeling like they’ve fallen face-first into a vat of fudge and caramel. With a sugar-free vegan formula available in 8 fruity flavors to suit any palate, this lightly-flavored yet delectable lube is the perfect accompaniment to oral sex.
$14.00 @ Sliquid $16.99 @ Lovehoney

Bold, fruity and satisfying, Sliquid Swirl is an absolutely scrumptious edible lube for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Out of all the flavored edible lubes we tested, I found the Sliquid Swirl line to be the strongest and most flavorful of the bunch.

photograph of pink lemonade and pina colada sliquid swirl on red table with plants

Our editor-in-chief (and fellow consensus tester) Alison Huff, agreed.

“I like the flavor range, and I love the super smooth texture,” she said. “It never feels sticky and cleans up easily. I didn’t enjoy all the flavors (piña colada, I felt could be sweeter) but I LOVE the pink lemonade, in particular.”

Sliquid has an entire line of eight fruit-inspired lubricants to choose from so there’s something for every mood, depending on what you’re craving tonight.

The Sliquid Swirl flavors are supremely delicious. To me, they taste like melted popsicles.

photograph of tester zoe pouring sliquid swirl pink lemonade on the back of her hand during testing

It was hard to choose between them, but after tasting each one, my favorite flavor is their pink lemonade.

photograph of sliquid swirl pink lemonade being held in hand against a pink sky painting

While I personally found the Sliquid Swirl lubes to taste particularly delicious, another tester on our team, Vanessa Russell, was not overly fond of the flavoring.

“It tastes like diet or sugarless soda, which I can’t stand the taste of,” she explained, referencing a weird aftertaste.

While I do agree that the Sliquid Swirl flavors taste artificially sweet — they are sweetened with aspartame, after all — it still scored the highest among all the flavored options we tested and had a delightfully fruity smell.

photograph of tester zoe holding bottle of sliquid swirl pink lemonade flavor in her hand

In practice, I found the blunt, sugary flavor in Sliquid Swirl to be a nice distraction from the sour or salty (but perfectly natural!) taste of oral sex.

This flavored lube is for you if you’re looking for a strong and noticeable sugary flavor that lasts without becoming sticky or tacky.

Although it tastes good, the only drawback is that there are no ice cream or confection-inspired flavors — you’ll find no mint chocolate chip, whipped cream, birthday cake, or salted caramel in this product line.

aerial photograph of sliquid swirl pink lemonade being poured onto the back of a hand to show its texture

Available in delicious Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, and Tangerine Peach, a brand-new dessert can be on the menu every night of the week.

Also Good: Aloe Cadabra

Also Good (Flavored)
Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant
4.8
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
Pros:
  • Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
  • Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
  • 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
  • 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not As Long-Lasting As Others
  • Not Waterproof
Osmolality: 172 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)
pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)
Bottom Line: Keep sexy time wet and wild with a barely noticeable formula that mimics your body’s own lubrication — in the tastiest way! Personally reviewed by Women’s Health Interactive, Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lubricant is lightweight, versatile, and made with 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera so you can feel good about using it — inside and out! Available in 18 delicious flavors and scents, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.
$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra -> CODE: MyOrganicAloe $17.99 @ HotCherry

Unlike the bold and sweet taste in Sliquid Swirl, Aloe Cadabra’s flavored lubricant is subtle and perfectly balanced.

It’s no secret that here at Women’s Health Interactive, we absolutely love all things Aloe Cadabra.

photograph of four varieties of aloe cadabra on red table with plants

Their unflavored aloe-based lube constantly makes it to the top of our best-of lists, so it’s no wonder that the flavored versions are also included in this round-up.

With 18 delicious flavors and scents to choose from — including a sweet strawberry and seasonal editions like Pumpkin Spice — this product offers something for every discerning palate.

They also offer a Natural Aloe formula without any added flavoring at all if you’re not in the mood for a sweet dessert, but still want to enjoy the benefits of one of the best lubes on the market.

photograph of zoe holding up a bottle of aloe cadabra in naked strawberry flavor

Fellow writer and consensus tester, Vanessa Russell reviewed this intensely hydrating lubricant personally.

When she scored this product, she noted that “the flavor doesn’t overpower, it’s more like a watered down ‘hint’ of the flavor.”

Since Aloe Cadabra uses stevia instead of sugar as a sweetener, you can use this lube for oral sex and vaginal penetration without increasing your risk for yeast infections — and the lack of aspartame makes it taste less like diet soda.

photograph of a bottle of aloe cadabra in butter rum flavor, held near a potted aloe plant

Although aloe-based lubricants can potentially be problematic for those who have an allergy to latex, Aloe Cadabra ensures that all traces of natural latex are removed from the aloe used in its products.

Made with 95% organic aloe and safe ingredients, it’s also a great choice for sensitive skin.

photograph of zoe pouring aloe cadabra onto the back of her hand during product testing

I love how this lube blends in with your skin — it almost reminds me more of a moisturizer than a lube.

It’s noticeably hydrating and doesn’t leave any annoying or sticky after-feel.

This is a good thing, considering that over-application is really easy to do.

aerial photograph of a hand holding an open bottle of aloe cadabra to display the large opening in the cap

In fact, that was the one thing our editor-in-chief noted when she reviewed and scored Aloe Cadabra.

She explained that she had “a major issue with the product dispensing.”

“Every single time we used it, we’ve had to wipe away excess on a hand towel because overapplication is inevitable,” she said. “Every. Single. Time.”

The reason for this, she felt, was the size of the hole in the cap — it’s on the large side, particularly when compared to other lubricants she’s used.

aerial photograph of open caps for both aloe cadabra (left) and almost naked (right) to compare their size, with aloe cadabra's being much larger

“The hole on the bottle is just too big… you always squeeze out WAY more than you need,” she said.

That con aside, we love pretty much everything else about this affordable flavored lube.

Offering 18 lubricant flavors (and scents), Aloe Cadabra is available in Chocolate, Lemongrass, Watermelon, Piña Colada, Naked Strawberry, Mango Passion, Cherry Lemonade, Tahitian Vanilla, Peppermint Tingle, Orange Cream, Banana Cream, Butter Rum, Key Lime Pie, and Pumpkin Spice (seasonal), Candy Cane (seasonal), Gingerbread (seasonal), Wild Rose (seasonal).

If you like piña coladas and makin’ love at midnight — or indulging in a calorie-free dessert that tastes amazing every night of the week, courtesy of your partner — Aloe Cadabra is a dream cum true.

Best Edible Flavorless Lubes

Just because a lubricant is edible doesn’t mean it is flavored.

In fact, there may be times when you just don’t want to taste anything but your partner — and that’s when flavorless edible lubes are ideal.

Perfectly safe to swallow during oral sex, flavorless edible lubricants will keep things slippery — without any of the sweetness.

Best Overall: AH YES WB

Best Overall (Unflavored)
AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant
5.0
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
Pros:
  • Extra-Thick Formula, Cushiony Texture
  • 96% Organic Ingredients
  • No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes
  • Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • Might Be Too Thick For Some
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
Osmolality: 260-290 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)
pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)
Bottom Line: As one of our team's favorite lubricants, this long-lasting, ultra-hydrating product provides incredible comfort and glide during vaginal sex and won't mask your partner's natural taste during oral sex. With a velvety texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubes while being kind to delicate skin, AH! YES WB uses a luxurious formula made from organic ingredients you can trust.
$18.70 @ AH! YES -> CODE: WHI $21.99 @ Lovehoney

If you have no desire to mask your partner’s natural taste during oral sex, AH! YES WB is a fantastic edible lube that offers lasting lubrication with no added flavoring.

Even though we think that spit is “enough” lubrication during oral sex, the truth is that your mouth can get dry — and that’s when an unflavored edible lube is a perfect thing to reach for.

I really like this lube.

photograph of zoe holding a bottle of ah yes wb while smiling and talking about her experience using it

It is thick and slippery and its texture is most similar to vaginal lubrication so it feels perfectly natural once applied.

This product does have a very faint aloe scent — one that’s fresh but subtle — but all of our testers found that it was completely flavorless, exactly as advertised.

photograph of ah yes wb bottle on red table with plants

Alison Huff, our editor-in-chief and fellow consensus tester, said:

“For someone looking for an edible lube with no flavor, this is a great fit — this is one of my favorite water-based lubes, to begin with. Personally, for oral sex, I prefer something with flavor, but that’s just my own preference.”

This water-based personal lubricant is made with 96% organic ingredients, making it one of a small number of water-based lubes that can be labeled as such.

With a pH of 3.8 to 4.2 and no added flavoring or sweeteners in the mix, you can safely move from oral sex to vaginal penetration without risking irritation or infection.

aerial photograph of ah yes wb being poured on the back of a hand to demonstrate its texture during our testing

This lube feels great on the skin and absorbs well.

Vanessa Russell, a fellow product tester, said that “it feels nice and velvety for being [water-based].”

She added that she “needed to apply a lot more than I thought and reapplied more than I expected” during vaginal sex.

photograph of hand holding a bottle of ah yes wb against a wood background

I found that it does leave a noticeable film on the skin after use but being water-based, it’s very easy to wash off.

Because AH! YES WB is safely edible, odorless, flavorless, stain-free, and compatible with all kinds of condoms and sex toys, this lube is certainly one to keep stocked in your nightstand.

Also Good: Almost Naked

Also Good (Unflavored)
Almost Naked
4.8
$12.99 (4 oz)
Pros:
  • Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
  • Thick And Super Long-Lasting
  • Light Lemon-Vanilla Scent And No Discernable Taste
  • First Carbon-Neutral Personal Lube
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
Osmolality: 250 to 400 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Recommendations)
pH Level: 4.2 to 4.7 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)
Bottom Line: There’s a reason Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is one of our team’s top recommendations. Its long-lasting, smooth formula is perfect for oral sex, and because of its non-irritating, natural ingredients, it’s also safe to use for penetrative sex. Additionally, its incredibly delicious scent is heavenly yet this lube has no discernable flavor — if you love the smell of cookies, this is one you’ll definitely want to try.
$10.40 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20 $18.99 @ HotCherry

Although this lubricant technically has what is considered to be a “subtle lemon-vanilla flavor,” all of our testers agreed on categorizing this one as un-flavored.

It smells truly amazing — but has zero taste.

None.

photograph of good clean love almost naked on a red table with plants

This is not a terrible thing by any stretch of the imagination — it IS delightful in spite of not being sweet — but upon smelling this lubricant, your brain will expect something dessert-like…but your mouth isn’t going to get that.

“I love this as a regular lube,” consensus tester and writer of our Almost Naked review, Alison Huff, said. “As an edible one (specifically), it smells like it should have an amazing flavor — like vanilla cookies.”

“It has no taste, though,” she noted. “That is the ONLY drawback to this one…it’s perfect in every other way and has a wonderful, silky texture.”

photograph of hand holding bottle of good clean love almost naked lube against an olive green wall background

If you’re not a fan of dessert-like lubricants but still want something with a touch of “flavor” through scent alone, Almost Naked from Good Clean Love will likely hit just the right spot — although not always.

Fellow edible lube tester, Vanessa Russell, was not a particular fan of the way this product smells.

“I don’t know what it is, but the scent was unpleasant to me,” she explained.

Alison and I think it smells delicious — so it might be worth trying if you don’t mind using a lubricant with a strong, cookie-like scent attached to it.

This lube has a wonderful texture and Vanessa said that she “loved the way it absorbed into the skin.”

I concur.

I found it to be a bit more “gel-like” and less similar to natural vaginal lubrication compared to AH! YES WB, but it is cooling to the touch and feels light on your fingertips.

photograph of a gel line of almost naked lube on the back of a hand to display its thick, non-runny texture

Alison said, “I’ve been tempted to try using this one as a lotion. It absorbs into the skin nicely but even after giving a handjob, you come away from it smelling like cookies.”

“It doesn’t feel sticky or tacky, your skin just feels soft and smooth,” she said. “It’s like some kind of magic.”

Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is a bit thicker than your average water-based lube thanks to the inclusion of agar-agar, but that means it lasts longer than average, too.

photograph of good clean love almost naked lube applied to wrist with the bottle held in the hand

Plus, with a pH of 4.2 to 4.7, Almost Naked is ideal for vaginal penetration if oral sex is being served as only the first course on the menu.

How We Made Our Picks & Features We Considered

photograph of alison holding a bottle of aloe cadabra while talking about the product during our testing process

When researching flavored and edible lubricants (and their safety), 154 products were carefully examined by our team, 24 made our short list for further consideration, and just five met our strictest criteria for personal testing.

Why?

Because most of the products we found contained glycerin as a first or second ingredient.

During oral sex alone, that particular ingredient isn’t especially problematic.

Oral sex may lead to vaginal sex, however, and that was our main safety concern.

Glycerin feeds Candida, which can cause yeast infections in the vagina or anus.

Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board, said, “Another thing to avoid in flavored and edible lubes is sugar.”

“Sugar may make something taste better, but it can also cause yeast infections,” she advised.

A lube that is truly safe should — at the very least — be suitable for vaginal penetration and any products that did not meet this criterion were not tested by our team.

The most important criteria to look for in a flavored or edible lubricant include:

  • Natural and/or 100% body-safe ingredients
  • Limited allergens
  • No unnecessary additives (glycerin, parabens)
  • Safe, sugar-free sweeteners
  • Smooth, non-sticky texture with an excellent mouthfeel
  • Delicious flavor (when applicable)
  • Optimal performance
  • Verifiable body-safe pH and osmolality
  • FDA approval
  • Compatibility with condoms and silicone toys (within reason)
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Water resistance (when applicable and with less emphasis)

When selecting the best flavored and edible lube, we weighed and tested:

  • How our skin reacted to each formula
  • The way each available flavor tasted and how sweet they were
  • How they felt during (and after) use
  • How often they required reapplication (during oral and vaginal sex)
  • Whether they worked with condoms or our favorite sex toys
  • How difficult they were to clean up after use
  • How well they performed in water (if applicable)
  • Whether they stained our bedding or other fabrics

All of the lubricants we tested were used orally and vaginally with no irritation reported by our team.

As a result of our exhaustive testing, we selected a variety of lubricants that offered exceptional flavor or none at all, across a range of textures, consistencies, and formulas to suit a wide range of preferences.

Flavored Or Edible Lubes That Didn’t Make Our List

We found and researched 154 different flavored and edible lubricants across many different brands, however, the vast majority were eliminated from consideration quickly due to their ingredients or formulations, as noted above.

Flavored lubricants are typically formulated to leave a sweet taste in your mouth and while a candy-flavored lube can be wonderful during oral sex, it should be able to transition to penetrative sex without posing a risk to the vaginal microbiome.

Unfortunately, most products we initially explored did not meet that requirement.

Lubes that we researched but did not consider for testing included products manufactured by:

  • Astroglide
  • LubeLife
  • ID Fruitopia
  • Doc Johnson (including Good Head and Pussy Licker, among others)
  • System Jo
  • CJ Blow Me
  • Wicked Aqua (Flavored brand and other variations)
  • Wet (Desserts, Flavored, and others)
  • ProBlo
  • Little Genie (including Yummy AF and Juicy AF)
  • And many others…

While we can’t endorse any of the lubes or companies on this list, that does not necessarily mean they are poor products — they simply did not meet our strict criteria for ingredients and formulation.

Even though only a handful of edible and flavored lubricants made our list of top recommendations, we tested one other product that didn’t quite make the cut.

  • Organic Glide: Being edible, organic, and oil-based makes this lube a rare breed, particularly because it’s equally safe for vaginal and anal sex, but the mouthfeel of this particular lube leaves a lot to be desired. It is unflavored and slick, but if you’re not a fan of the sensation of having oil in your mouth, you really won’t love this one as an edible lube.

Many factors contribute to whether an edible or flavored lube is a perfect fit for some people and not others but much of it has to do with your personal preferences regarding texture and the lube’s intended use.

When testing edible and flavored lubricants, those factors weighed heavily into the scoring given by each of our team members who took part.

Just as we did when making our final selections, you may need to try a few different products before finding your perfect match.

What To Know About Flavored And Edible Lubes

What Are Edible And Flavored Lubes?

Formulated to enhance oral sex, edible and flavored lubricants are specifically designed to be safe to swallow, but the best and safest ones will be kind to vaginal tissue and appropriate for penetrative sex, too.

Although spit is generally considered to be “lubrication” of a sort, an edible or flavored lube adds moisture that can make oral sex easier and more enjoyable for both the giver and the receiver.

What Is The Difference Between Flavored And Edible Lube?

It’s important to note that although many people conflate the two, there is a difference between an edible lube and a flavored one.

Just because a lube says it’s edible doesn’t mean it’ll taste like cotton candy.

In fact, it may not have any flavor at all.

In other words, EDIBLE lube (meaning it is safe to ingest), does NOT mean that the lube is necessarily FLAVORED.

An edible lube is safe to swallow but may not taste like anything (or it might even taste foul!), while a flavored lube is specifically designed to taste good and be used orally.

→ Looking for flavored lubes? Click here for our top picks.

→ Looking for flavorless edible lubes? Click here for our top picks.

When Should You Use A Flavored Or Edible Lube?

Flavored lube is perfect for those times when oral sex is on the menu but you’re looking for something that will take the taste to brand-new heights.

Additionally, a flavored lubricant can also mask the taste of (perfectly normal) genital fluids to make the entire experience a little more enjoyable if you’re not a big fan of giving oral sex to another person.

Both edible and flavored lubricants are a good choice for anyone who struggles to produce enough saliva when giving oral sex.

If you’re seeking to experiment with flavors during oral sex, you’ll want to select an edible sex lubricant with added flavoring.

When you only want to add lubrication during oral sex without tasting anything but your partner, you’ll want to opt for an edible lube without added flavoring.

Is Flavored Or Edible Lube Safe?

Flavored and edible lubes are generally safe when used as directed for their intended purpose (oral sex) and have a shelf life of between 1 and 3 years.

But there ARE safety considerations you should know about:

  • When ingested: Although personal lubricants are safe to eat (swallow) in small amounts, ingesting too much — such as drinking half a bottle — could result in stomach upset or digestive issues.

Most lubes that are designed to be edible or contain added flavorings are water-based because silicone shouldn’t be ingested in large quantities and oil-based lubes can present choking hazards.

  • When sweetened with glycerin or added sugar: One of the most important factors regarding a flavored or edible lube’s safety relates to the type of sweetener used — and whether it is derived from glycerin and/or sugar.

Sugar is a food source for Candida albicans, a type of fungi responsible for most yeast infections.

While normally kept in check thanks to the body’s microbiome, lubricants with sugar or glycerin can feed candida — causing it to reproduce rapidly within the vagina (or anus) and leading to a yeast infection.

  • With unsafe pH or osmolality levels: It is also important that if you plan on using a water-based edible or flavored lube for vaginal or anal sex, that its osmolality and pH levels are verifiable and body-safe so you don’t risk damaging delicate tissues or increasing your risk of infections or STIs.

For vaginal sex, pH levels should be between 3.8 to 4.5.

For anal sex, pH levels should be between 5.5 to 7.

Osmolality should be below 1200 mOsm/kg, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

  • When trying to conceive or during pregnancy: You generally don’t want to use flavored lubes when you’re trying to conceive — at least during vaginal sex — unless they contain hydroxyethylcellulose that won’t hinder sperm motility.

Additionally, provided the lubricant is formulated with safe ingredients, a flavored or edible lube is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy.

Bottom Line: When using a flavored water-based lubricant from our top recommendations, you can rest assured that it’s safe to swallow and use during vaginal sex.

The Pros And Cons Of Edible And Flavored Lubricants

Sometimes the oral lubrication from your own spit just isn’t enough.

Maybe you didn’t drink enough water today, or your dinner was extra-salty and it’s left you with a bad case of dry mouth.

An oral sex lube won’t quench your thirst, but it will make fellatio or cunnilingus easier.

Flavored And Edible Lubricant Pros:

  • Flavored lubes add an extra dimension to oral sex and can “mask” the flavor of bodily fluids (if that bothers you)
  • Flavored lubes are available in a wide range of flavor profiles (fruity, chocolatey, and even savory) to suit any preference under the sun
  • Edible and flavored lubricants are safe to swallow — of course!
  • Edible and flavored lubes can be used for penetrative sex if they don’t include glycerin, sugar, or sugar substitutes
  • Edible and flavored lubricants are typically water-based and compatible with high-end sex toys, latex condoms, and dental dams so you don’t have to sacrifice safety for great taste
  • If they are water-based — and most are — they are non-staining and easy to clean
  • Many edible and flavored lubricants are made using organic or natural ingredients (including those on our list of recommended products)

Flavored And Edible Lubricant Cons:

  • They generally shouldn’t be used for vaginal or anal sex if they include sugar or glycerin, which many often do, as those ingredients can increase the risk of yeast infections
  • Although safe for oral sex and vaginal penetration, water-based edible and flavored lubricants tend to have a pH that is too low and a texture too lightweight for anal sex
  • They are not always fertility-friendly
  • Since they’re primarily water-based, they’re not as long-lasting as silicone or oil-based lubes
  • Most edible and flavored lubes are water-based — rendering them useless in the shower or bath
  • Some “edible” lubes are not tasty because they weren’t specifically designed to be eaten, but are safe to swallow
  • Flavored lubes are not made using silicone-based formulas (although silicone lubes are edible in small amounts) so you’ll have to choose between what you need most: silicone or flavoring

Although we think it’s worth the time and money to find an edible lube made specifically for what you want it to do, there are a few at-home lube alternatives you can try.

That said, you should not try to make your own flavored lubricant at home. Sugar is sweet, but it has no place in your vagina!

Closing Thoughts

Edible and flavored lubricants offer plenty of opportunities to experiment — no matter what you’re craving!

Even if you’re not in the mood for strawberry-flavored lube but you’re down for oral sex, a flavorless lubricant might be exactly what you’re looking for.

And if you’ve got a sweet tooth that just can’t be satiated, there are so many flavored lubes to choose from, you can enjoy a new dessert every night of the week!

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.