Fresh oils should not be bitter to the taste. The polyunsaturated fats in Flax Seed Oil and Essential Balance® tend to oxidize more rapidly than monounsaturated and saturated fats, which can result in a slightly bitter taste. We process our oils at low temperatures to preserve the freshness of these oils and maintain the natural antioxidant Vitamins A and E found within the seeds. To ensure that you are purchasing the freshest oil possible, look for the pressing date on Flax Seed Oil bottles and the best before date, also make sure when purchasing from the health food store that the oil is always stored in a cooler.