15 Gross Food Facts

Introduction:

Food is a fascinating and essential part of our daily lives. However, there are some food facts that are sure to make your stomach turn. From bizarre ingredients to questionable food practices, these 15 gross food facts will leave you feeling shocked and perhaps a little queasy. Buckle up and get ready to discover some truly mind-blowing information about the food we eat.

Fact 1: McDonald’s McFlurry Spoons Are Not For Mixing

You may have thought that the odd shape of the McDonald’s McFlurry spoon was designed for mixing the ice cream and toppings together. In reality, it is actually used to hold the cup in place while the machine blends the ingredients. Next time you indulge in a McFlurry, you’ll never look at the spoon the same way.

Fact 2: There Are Bugs In Your Chocolate

Believe it or not, the FDA allows a certain amount of insect fragments in chocolate. In fact, the average chocolate bar contains around 8 insect parts. So next time you take a bite of your favorite sweet treat, just remember that you’re also consuming a bit of extra protein.

Fact 3: Pink Slime in Your Ground Beef

Pink slime, also known as mechanically separated meat, is a mixture of fatty beef trimmings that are treated with ammonia to kill bacteria. This substance is often used as a filler in ground beef products. Knowing that pink slime is present in your burger may make you think twice about that fast food meal.

Fact 4: The Secret Ingredient in Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce, a popular condiment used in many dishes, contains a surprising ingredient – anchovies. That’s right, this savory sauce is made with fermented fish that add a unique umami flavor. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you may want to skip this condiment.

Fact 5: Cheese Mites in Mimolette Cheese

Mimolette cheese is a French cheese that is aged for several months to develop its flavor. However, during the aging process, the cheese is infested with cheese mites. These tiny insects burrow into the cheese, giving it a distinctive flavor. While the mites are harmless to humans, the thought of eating cheese that has been crawling with bugs may be off-putting.

Fact 6: Bright Red Color in Some Candy Comes From Crushed Bugs

Cochineal insects, also known as scale insects, are commonly used to produce a bright red dye called carmine. This dye is used in many red-colored foods, including some candies. So if you’ve ever enjoyed a piece of red candy, you may have unknowingly consumed crushed bugs in the process.

Fact 7: Hot Dogs Can Contain Bone and Cartilage

Hot dogs are a popular choice for a quick and easy meal, but they can contain some less-than-appetizing ingredients. Along with the meat, hot dogs may also include bone and cartilage from the animals used in the production process. This fact may make you think twice about your next hot dog purchase.

Fact 8: Gelatin is Made From Animal Bones and Skin

Gelatin, a common ingredient in many desserts and candies, is made from the collagen found in animal bones and skin. This substance is boiled down to create a flavorless and colorless thickening agent. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you may want to avoid foods containing gelatin.

Fact 9: The Mold in Blue Cheese is Edible

Blue cheese gets its distinct flavor and appearance from the mold Penicillium roqueforti. While most people cringe at the thought of eating mold, the mold in blue cheese is safe to consume and adds a unique tangy flavor to the cheese. So next time you enjoy a slice of blue cheese, remember that you’re indulging in some intentionally cultivated mold.

Fact 10: Fruit Flavors Can Come From Beaver Anal Glands

Castoreum, a secretion from beaver anal glands, is sometimes used to create artificial fruit flavors in foods and beverages. This surprising revelation may make you think twice about what’s really in your favorite fruity snacks.

Fact 11: Soft Drinks Contain Flame Retardant Chemicals

Some soft drinks contain brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which is a chemical used as a flame retardant in plastics. BVO helps to keep the flavoring oils suspended in the drink and prevents them from separating. While BVO is considered safe in small amounts, the idea of consuming a flame retardant chemical in your soda may be unsettling.

Fact 12: Crab Sticks Are Made From Surimi

Crab sticks, also known as imitation crab meat, are made from a processed seafood product called surimi. Surimi is made by washing and centrifuging fish meat to create a paste that is then flavored and formed into the shape of crab legs. The reality behind crab sticks may leave you feeling a bit deceived about their true contents.

Fact 13: Canned Mushrooms Can Contain Maggots

Canned mushrooms may inadvertently contain maggots or larvae due to the canning process not always effectively killing all insects. While the FDA does have guidelines for the acceptable levels of insect contamination in canned foods, the thought of finding a maggot in your mushrooms may make you hesitant to eat them.

Fact 14: There’s a Reason Why Some Whiskey Tastes Like Band-Aids

When whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, it can pick up a compound called guaiacol. This compound is also present in some Band-Aid adhesives, which is why some people describe certain whiskeys as having a medicinal or Band-Aid-like taste. So if you’ve ever detected a hint of Band-Aid in your whiskey, now you know why.

Fact 15: Some Cheese Contains Maggots on Purpose

Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese that contains live insect larvae. The maggots in the cheese help to break down the fats and create a soft and pungent texture. While the idea of eating cheese that is crawling with maggots may seem revolting to some, it is considered a delicacy in certain regions of Italy.

Conclusion

These 15 gross food facts may have made you rethink some of your favorite foods and beverages. From hidden ingredients to unexpected additives, the world of food is full of surprises. While these facts may be stomach-churning, they also highlight the complexities and intricacies of the food industry. Whether you find these facts fascinating or repulsive, they are sure to spark conversation and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the food on your plate.