Described herein is a peptide with an amino acid sequence comprising a Leu-Leu moiety. Also described is a composition having a mixture of such peptides, and foods and beverages containing such compositions including, for example, roast and ground coffee, coffee brew, coffee creamer, and tea. The addition of one or more of these peptide(s) to coffee brews made from instant coffee, liquid coffee concentrate, or decaf coffee demonstrates that these peptides improve the taste profile of such coffee brews.