they literally can’t taste anymore

Figuratively.

People are so accustomed to sugar overload they literally can’t taste anymore. I drink la croix if I want something a bit bubbly, but so many Americans make fun of la croix drinkers. “It’s like smelling a lemon from 10 feet away haw haw haw”.

Considering la croix is not sweet, you will have literally the same experience as someone with taste buds that are 100% burned out from sugar. The lemon flavor is recognized by the sense of smell, and to some degree the sour sensing tastebuds.