If you opened up a packet and tasted the powder on your tongue, you might find it rather gross as I did. BUT - and I am not sure why - if you use it in something like Tea or Coffee, it doesn't take a lot to make a nice sweet taste without any of the bitterness or aftertaste when it is tasted by itself. This is great in Tea and a great alternative to Splenda and other sweeteners. Also, the price of this item is unbelievable at the $1.99 for 50 packets as it was when I purchased.