The present invention provides masking compositions that include a lower alkyl carboxylic acid, e.g. acetic acid. Also provided is a masking composition that includes (a) a lower alkyl carboxylic acid (e.g. acetic acid), a warming sensate (e.g. vanillin or vanillyl butyl ether) and/or a cooling sensate (e.g. menthol or isopulegol).