Can You Eat Aloe Vera? All About Aloe Vera Juice, Aloe Vera Gel & More

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

Aloe vera is best known for its skin-soothing properties, often used in topical gels and skincare products. But did you know this succulent plant can also be eaten? 

Whether blended into a smoothie, added to a refreshing drink, or incorporated into culinary dishes, aloe vera is an intriguing ingredient that may offer a variety of benefits. But before you start scooping it straight from the plant, let’s explore how to eat aloe vera safely, what it tastes like, and why it’s gaining traction as a health-conscious food choice.

Is Aloe Vera Edible?

Yes, certain parts of the aloe vera plant are safe to eat. The clear gel found inside the leaves is the edible portion, while the green outer skin contains compounds that can be irritating and should be avoided. The yellowish latex layer that sits between the gel and the outer skin contains aloin, which has a bitter taste and may cause digestive discomfort in large amounts. If you’re consuming fresh aloe, be sure to properly prepare it by removing the outer leaf and rinsing the gel thoroughly.

What Does Aloe Vera Taste Like?

Aloe vera has a mild, slightly bitter, and watery taste with a gelatinous texture. When raw, it can be somewhat slimy, but blending it into drinks or combining it with other ingredients helps neutralize its bitterness while maintaining its hydrating properties. Some describe aloe vera as similar to peeled grapes or a lightly bitter cucumber, making it an interesting ingredient for smoothies, juices, and even salads.

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How to Eat Aloe Vera 

There are several ways to incorporate aloe vera into your diet. Here are some of the most common and enjoyable methods:

1. Drink the aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice is one of the most popular ways to consume this plant. It’s made by blending aloe gel with water, citrus juice, or other natural flavors to create a refreshing, hydrating beverage. Many store-bought aloe juices remove the latex layer to ensure a smooth taste and digestion-friendly experience.

How to make aloe vera juice at home:

1. Scoop out fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf.
2. Blend with water and lemon juice.
3. Strain for a smoother consistency and serve chilled.

2. Add aloe vera to a smoothie or beverage

Aloe vera gel can be added to smoothies or other beverages to enhance hydration and provide a cooling effect. Its mild taste pairs well with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut water.

Try this recipe:

Ingredients: 

1 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel
1 banana
1/2 cup coconut water

Instructions: 

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

3. Add aloe vera to a salad

For a refreshing twist, aloe vera gel can be diced into small cubes and added to fruit salads, complementing flavors like citrus, berries, and melons. Just make sure to rinse the gel well to remove any residual bitterness.

4. Freeze aloe vera into ice cubes

Freeze aloe vera gel into ice cube trays and add them to beverages like herbal teas or lemonade for a cooling, hydrating touch.

5. Make an aloe vera dessert

Aloe vera can be incorporated into jellies, puddings, or sorbets, offering a unique texture and hydration boost to your favorite sweet treats.

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Potential Benefits of Eating Aloe Vera

While aloe vera is commonly used topically, consuming it may provide certain health-supporting properties. Research suggests that aloe vera may help with:

• Hydration: Composed mostly of water, aloe vera is naturally hydrating and refreshing, making it a great addition to drinks, especially in warmer weather.
• Antioxidant properties: Aloe vera contains polyphenols, which are plant compounds with antioxidant effects that may help combat oxidative stress in the body*.

While aloe vera may support overall well-being, always consume it in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

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How to Prepare Fresh Aloe Vera for Eating

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow these steps when preparing fresh aloe vera:

1. Wash the leaf: Rinse it thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
2. Cut and drain: Trim the edges and let the leaf sit upright to allow any latex to drain.
3. Peel the outer skin: Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the green outer layer.
4. Scoop the gel: Extract the clear gel inside.
5. Rinse well: Remove any remaining yellowish residue to eliminate bitterness.

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How to Choose the Best Aloe Vera for Eating

• If you’re purchasing aloe vera for consumption, look for organic, food-grade aloe vera products (like the aloe vera juices available at Thrive Market, which contain certified organic ingredients with no unnecessary additives!)
• If using fresh aloe, opt for mature, healthy leaves from an edible variety of aloe (Aloe barbadensis miller is the most common edible species).
• Are There Any Risks to Eating Aloe Vera?
• While aloe vera gel is generally safe to eat in moderation, the latex portion of the plant contains compounds that may cause digestive upset, particularly in large amounts. It’s best to avoid aloe vera if you have sensitivities to its compounds or pre-existing digestive concerns.

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Final Thoughts

Aloe vera isn’t just for skincare—it’s a versatile plant that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from smoothies to refreshing drinks and even light salads. Its mild flavor, hydrating properties, and potential benefits make it an exciting addition to a balanced diet. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.