12 Funky Food Facts We Never Needed to Know

Explore surprising, fascinating, even odd facts about foods worldwide in this article. Perfect for foodies or quirky trivia seekers.

Confectioner’s Glaze Is Made of Bug Secretions

Did you know the shiny coating on sweets often comes from bug secretions? They're made from lac bugs in Asia and India, creating confectioner's glaze or shellac. These are safe and vegan.

Those Black Lines on Shrimp Aren’t Veins

The black line in shrimp isn’t a vein but a digestive tract. It doesn’t affect the taste or texture and can be removed before or after cooking.

Durian Fruit Smells Like Rotting Flesh

Durian, known for its strong smell likened to sewage and rotten onions, is a beloved delicacy in Southeast Asia with a creamy, sweet taste likened to custard or almonds

The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Poop

Kopi Luwak, the world's priciest coffee, is made from beans eaten and digested by Indonesian civet cats. Its unique flavor comes at a hefty cost per cup.

Raw Oysters Are Still Alive When You Eat Them

Oysters are usually a delicacy and can live up to two weeks out of water. They have no brains or pain sensation, making raw oyster consumption ethical.

Raisins Are Among the Dirtiest Produce on the Planet

Raisins, found to have high pesticide residue due to thin skin, are among the dirtiest produce, says a study by the Environmental Working Group. Opt for organic or wash well.

Tomato Products Contain Measurable Amounts of Mold

Tomatoes contain trace amounts of mold (mycotoxins) from fungi, but these are usually not harmful and can be removed by washing or cooking.

There Can Be Multiple Rodent Hairs in Your Peanut Butter

The FDA states peanut butter can have 1+ rodent hairs per 100g. It's not a health concern due to FDA-set limits for food contamination. Your peanut butter is safe to eat.

Ranch Dressing Contains the Same Dye as Sunscreen

Ranch dressing's yellow hue often comes from titanium dioxide, the same chemical used in sunscreen. This additive enhances its white color. Read more

Raspberry and Vanilla Flavoring Can Come From Beaver Anal Glands

Castoreum from beaver anal glands is used as a vanilla/raspberry flavoring. Despite sounding gross, it's an FDA-approved natural ingredient.

Bananas Are Radioactive

Bananas contain a trace of radioactive potassium-40, but it's not harmful. A banana's radiation is equal to the everyday radiation from our environment.

Pineapple ‘Eats’ You Back

"Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that gives it its tangy taste, may make your tongue tingle, and prevents its use in gelatin-based desserts."

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The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life

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15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting

Americans' unique culinary preferences can seem odd to foreigners. Learn about the most baffling foods here: 15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting

10 Foods to Never Eat for Breakfast

Breakfast determines your day's energy and function. Some foods fuel your day, while others sabotage your diet and make you lazy. Here's what to avoid for a good start. 10 Foods to Never Eat for Breakfast Article via Health Makes You.