Kinda tastes like a sour patch, but not as sour. I used it while my nephews had the cold and I was helping taking care of them. Didnt get it at all even when I ate off their plates and cups. Husband had the cold and I left these at my moms place so I had to order some more. I took them 3 days after being exposed to him, still got the cold. BUT this has been the least miserable cold ever. It went away quicker, I didnt feel terribly sick (while he was). Most I felt was being tired the whole day. Sore throat wasnt bad, coughing not bad either. So defintely be consistent with it