A method for modifying the taste of a foodstuff or beverage by including therein a taste modifying composition that includes 7-[4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one (rhoifolin) in an amount effective to reduce bitterness or increase sweetness of the foodstuff or beverage.