I've been using Metamucil on and off for years, and never really relished glugging down the sludge. It was particularly unpleasant when I was (needlessly) avoiding the flavored, sugared, product. I was making a home brew with saccharin. Bleah. Try going back to the fiber stuff. If needed, sprinkle some sugar in the water before adding the powder. I also discovered (because I was using lemon juice and water with that awful lactulose) that lemon juice -- start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste -- makes Metamucil almost pleasant. BTW, I'd tried store brands, but didn't like its graininess.