The synthesis of the first water-soluble 2,2′′,4,4′′-terphen[3]arene bearing sulphonatopropoxy moieties (STP3) and its effective alleviation of aversive responses to alkaloids in vitro and in vivo, via the formation of supramolecular complexes, have been described. Using such direct host–guest complexation, STP3 has potential applications as an efficient taste-masking macrocyclic container for use in pharmaceutical research.