I had no idea that something as delicious and seemingly harmless as pineapple could cause such a curious reaction, but after watching my 7-year-old squirm after taking a bite, I started to look into it. Pineapple, the sweet and tangy tropical fruit enjoyed around the world, is usually eaten fresh, juiced, or used in all kinds of dishes, from fruit salads to pizza toppings.

However, for some people, especially children, eating pineapple can lead to an unexpected tingling or even burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue. If you’ve never felt it before, this can be surprising and even a little alarming, prompting questions about what’s happening and whether it’s normal. To understand this reaction, it’s important to take a closer look at what’s inside a pineapple. This fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and especially enzymes that contribute not only to its nutritional benefits but also to its signature taste. One particular enzyme stands out as the reason behind the tingling sensation that some people feel when eating fresh pineapple, and that enzyme is called bromelain. Bromelain is actually a group of enzymes found primarily in the stem and the flesh of the pineapple. It’s known for its ability to break down proteins, which is why pineapple is sometimes used as a natural meat tenderizer.

But when we eat it raw, that same enzyme can start breaking down the proteins on the surface of our mouths—our tongues, our cheeks, and the lining inside. That’s what causes that odd tingling or mild burning feeling. Essentially, bromelain treats the inside of your mouth like it’s a piece of meat. Not everyone experiences this sensation, and for those who do, the degree can vary a lot. There are a few factors that influence this—how ripe the pineapple is, how much bromelain it contains, and how sensitive a person’s mouth is. Younger children like mine often have more delicate tissues in their mouths, so they might be more likely to react strongly to bromelain. Similarly, someone who rarely eats pineapple might feel more of a tingle compared to someone who consumes it regularly.

The sensitivity to pineapple is highly individual. While one person might eat slice after slice with no issues, someone else might feel that tingling after just a single bite. This difference can be due to genetics, dietary habits, or overall enzyme tolerance. It’s also interesting to know that pineapple isn’t the only fruit that causes these types of sensations. Kiwi and papaya contain similar enzymes that can lead to oral discomfort, though usually the effect isn’t as intense. Pineapple stands out simply because it has more of the enzyme, making the reaction more noticeable.

Fortunately, if the tingling is unpleasant, there are ways to make eating pineapple a more comfortable experience. Choosing a fully ripe pineapple can help because enzyme levels decrease as the fruit matures. Another method is to pair pineapple with dairy products like yogurt or ice cream; the proteins in the dairy bind with the bromelain and reduce its effects. Cooking pineapple also works, as heat deactivates the enzyme. That’s why canned pineapple, which is heat-treated during processing, usually doesn’t cause any mouth tingling. Still, while a mild tingle is usually harmless, it’s wise to pay attention to your body’s response. If someone experiences swelling, hives, or has trouble breathing after eating pineapple, that could indicate an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. Also, if the tingling is very uncomfortable or doesn’t go away quickly, it might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. In most cases though, understanding why pineapple causes this sensation helps you make better choices about how to enjoy it. With just a few simple precautions, like letting it ripen fully or serving it with creamy foods, you can continue to enjoy pineapple’s amazing flavor and health benefits without discomfort. Knowing what bromelain is and how it affects your mouth takes the mystery out of that odd feeling and lets you enjoy your fruit with confidence. So the next time your child complains of a tingling tongue after eating pineapple, you’ll know exactly what’s going on and how to make their snack time better.