If you have ever polished off a bag of chips, only to be left wondering what exactly made that neon orange cheese flavor so...well, neon orange? You're one of many people to do so. Food processing is full of surprising (and sometimes strange) ingredients hiding in plain sight. So, before you take another bite of that mystery meat hotdog, peek at this list. You might be surprised by what you find lurking in your favorite snacks!
Castoreum
This fancy name belongs to a secretion from beavers, used in some vanilla flavorings. While the extraction process removes the strong scent, the fact remains – you might be getting a whiff of beaver in your next cupcake! Did you know? Vanilla production is big business, with the global market valued at over $1 billion annually!
Carmine
This vibrant red coloring comes from crushed cochineal bugs, often used in candies, drinks, and even cosmetics. For vegetarians and vegans, this can be a surprising discovery. Did you know? A single pound of carmine can require up to 70K cochineal bugs!
Azodicarbonamide
This curious-sounding ingredient acts as a flour-bleaching agent and is in commercially baked breads and pre-made pastries. While safe for consumption, some people prefer to avoid it. Interesting fact: Azodicarbonamide is also used in the production of yoga mats!
Potassium Bromate
An oxidizing agent used to strengthen dough in some breads, it's banned in certain countries due to potential health concerns. Be sure to check labels if you're sensitive to additives.
L-Cysteine
This amino acid helps maintain dough elasticity, often derived from human hair or duck feathers. While the final product is highly processed and free of any hair or feather remnants, learning about its source is surprising for most consumers.
Olestra
This fat substitute is found in some processed snacks and is not readily absorbed by our bodies. While it can be helpful for weight management, it can also lead to digestive discomfort for some people. Did you know? Olestra was once marketed under the brand name "Olean"!
Guar Gum
This thickening agent, extracted from guar beans, is used in various products like yogurt, ice cream, and salad dressings. While safe for most, it can cause bloating in some individuals.
Diacetyl
This buttery-flavored compound gives popcorn its irresistible aroma, but it's linked to a respiratory illness in factory workers who inhale high amounts. Thankfully, consumer exposure levels are much lower. Diacetyl is found in some artificial butter flavorings used in movie theater popcorn.
Bleached Flour
The ubiquitous white flour undergoes a bleaching process to achieve its uniform color. While safe to consume, some prefer unbleached flour, which retains more nutrients. Here's a little-known fact: Bleaching flour can actually weaken some of the gluten bonds, impacting the overall baking results.
Microbial Transglutaminase (MTG)
This tongue twister of a term refers to an enzyme that helps bind ingredients together, sometimes used in processed meats and seafood. While safe, people with gluten sensitivity might want to be aware of its presence. Did you know MTG is naturally produced by some microorganisms found in fermented foods like miso?
Soy Lecithin
This natural emulsifier, derived from soybeans, keeps ingredients like oil and water from separating. It's found in many processed foods, but those with soy allergies should be cautious. Soy lecithin is also used in some pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar substitutes like aspartame and sucralose are popular sugar alternatives. While generally safe, some people might experience side effects or prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether. It may be an alternative, but did you know that aspartame is actually about 200 times sweeter than table sugar?
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is found naturally in fruits and vegetables like bananas and tomatoes. This mineral is a common salt substitute, often used in low-sodium products. While a healthier alternative for some, it can have a slightly bitter taste.
Shellac
This unexpected ingredient comes from lac beetles, insects that secrete a resinous material used to create a glaze or coating. While safe for consumption and often used as a coating for candies and some fruits, finding beetle byproduct on your gummy worm will be a surprise to most! And while we're on the subject, shellac is also used to produce some polishes and varnishes.