The invention concerns an aroma composition to reduce or suppress a bitter or astringent impression in the oral cavity, comprising (i) one or more sweeteners and (ii) one or more specific bitter-masking aroma substances and/or flavourings and optionally (iii) one or more sweetness intensifying aroma substances and/or sweeteners and optionally (iv) one or more inactive substances or carriers. The invention also concerns a preparation, containing such an aroma composition, the use of an aroma composition for reducing or eliminating a bitter and astringent effect of an artificial sweetener and a corresponding method for reducing or eliminating the bitter and astringent effect of a sweetener.