Hello GB: I agree with Tim, it tastes much like sugar, I think better. You can cook or bake it with no problem, approximately equal amounts; I believe it has the helpful properties. Sometimes, I just eat a teaspoon alone as medicine, or put it in tea or cocoa. I wouldn't recommend doing 1/4 cup at a time, though, UNLESS you are constipated, because it probably would cause diarrhea. I usually space it out during the day, not too much at a time, then use my acidophilus in between those times, not too close together. Hope this helps.