The starter is not sweet when I use it as the sugar is all digested by the bacteria so it is not a sweet bread thought he flavor is a bit sweeter than a typical sourdough and there is very little fruit taste to it. Since I used a blackberry starter in this, the bread did have a bit of a purple tinge in color, but if I were to use a raisin starter, one would not notice the color and I think it would be the best for flavor as well.