Why does sour candy not taste like salt?

Here's a breakdown:

* Saltiness: This taste is caused by the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl). It's a simple, singular flavor.

* Sourness: This taste is created by acids, which are chemicals that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. The higher the concentration of H+ ions, the more sour something will taste.

Here are some common acids used in sour candy:

* Citric acid: Found in citrus fruits, it's a mild acid with a tangy flavor.

* Malic acid: Found in apples and other fruits, it has a sharper, more tart flavor than citric acid.

* Tartaric acid: Found in grapes, it has a strong, acidic flavor.

* Lactic acid: Found in dairy products and also produced during fermentation, it has a tangy, slightly bitter flavor.

While saltiness and sourness can sometimes be confused in mild forms, the difference in the underlying chemical compounds is clear. Sour candy doesn't have the characteristic salty taste because they are designed to stimulate the sour taste receptors on your tongue, not the salty ones.