Bitterness inhibitor having carotenoid degradation product as active ingredient.

The present invention provides a material having the excellent effect of inhibiting the bitterness of an oral composition containing a bitter component. A bitterness inhibitor for an oral composition containing a bitter component, the bitterness inhibitor having a carotenoid degradation product as an active ingredient. This bitterness inhibitor may be prepared by means of a production method comprising a step for obtaining a carotenoid degradation product by subjecting a carotenoid in oil or fat to an oxidation process. The carotenoid degradation product is preferably one or more degradation products selected from the group consisting of carotenes and xanthophylls. The bitterness inhibitor is optimally used as a material for inhibiting the bitterness of an oral composition, or the like, that contains a bitter component.