An attempt was made in the 1970s to commercialize the ability of the fruit to turn non-sweet foods into sweet foods without a calorific penalty, but ended in failure in controversial circumstances with accusations that the project was sabotaged and the research burgled by the sugar industry to prevent loss of business caused by a drop in the need for sugar. The FDA has always denied that pressure was put on it by the sugar industry, but refused to release any files on the subject. Similar arguments are noted for FDA’s regulation on stevia now labeled as a “dietary supplement” instead of a “sweetener”.

Recently, the fruit has become popular in Bacchanalian-like food tasting events, referred to as “flavor tripping parties” by some.  The tasters consume sour and bitter foods, such as lemons, radishes, and beer, to experience the taste changes that occur. A blog dedicated to the phenomena of “flavor tripping” describes the miracle fruit “like a candyWilly Wonka would have invented.”