7 Shocking Things You Did Not Know Were in Your Food

Modern food production hides more secrets than you think. Labels may look clear, but not every ingredient gets listed. Some additives in candy, baked goods, and everyday meals are surprising, even controversial. Let’s uncover them.

1. Castoreum: A Flavorful Secret

Castoreum comes from the scent glands of beavers. Producers once used it as a flavoring agent with a musky, vanilla-like aroma. Today, it appears rarely because it is costly, difficult to source, and sparks wildlife concerns.

2. Carmine: The Colorful Conundrum

That bright red color in candy or yogurt often comes from carmine, made from crushed cochineal insects. Ancient cultures used it for centuries. But in 2012, Starbucks replaced it in strawberry drinks after vegans raised ethical objections. Now, tomato-based lycopene often serves as a substitute.

3. Trans Fats: The Stealthy Saboteurs

Trans fats damage heart health. Yet some foods still contain them under labeling loopholes. They hide in partially hydrogenated oils used in fried snacks and processed products. Always check labels carefully.

4. Bleached Flour: A Bright Idea?

White flour looks clean because factories bleach it with agents such as chlorine gas or benzoyl peroxide. Regulators consider it safe, but critics question its nutritional value and possible chemical residues.

5. Meat Glue: Bonding for Culinary Creativity

“Meat glue,” or transglutaminase, binds small meat pieces into uniform portions. That neat chicken nugget or perfect deli slice might be held together with it. While approved for use, the practice makes many consumers uneasy.

6. Shellac: The Shiny Coating

The glossy finish on jellybeans and candies comes from shellac. Female lac beetles produce this natural resin. Although safe to eat, it raises concerns for vegans since it is insect-derived.

7. L-Cysteine: Dough Conditioning with a Twist

L-Cysteine, an amino acid, softens dough and extends shelf life. Factories can produce it synthetically, but sometimes they source it from duck feathers or human hair. While safe, the origin unsettles many people.

Stay Informed About What You Eat

Food labels don’t always reveal everything. By learning about hidden ingredients, you can make smarter, more ethical choices. Awareness helps you stay curious, cautious, and confident about what goes on your plate.

Note for Singapore Readers

Some of the ingredients listed here are still used in parts of the world but are not permitted in Singapore. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) bans additives such as carmine, shellac, castoreum, and has also eliminated industrial trans fats since 2021. Additives like bleached flour, meat glue, and L-cysteine may be used, but only under strict safety and labeling regulations. PRIME

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