Cochineal (AKA Carmine): The Red Food Coloring from Insects

Cochineal (AKA Carmine): The Red Food Coloring from Insects

Do you remember back in 2012 when Starbucks came under fire for their pink and red products? The Red Velvet Whoopie Pie and the Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino were two of the victims of the media blast. Apparently, Starbucks had been using an ingredient called 

Castoreum (AKA Raspberry Flavoring)

Castoreum (AKA Raspberry Flavoring)

There have been rumors around the internet that vanilla and raspberry flavoring are made from beaver feces. Castoreum is, in fact, derived from beavers. The substance is fragrant, and is used not only as a food additive, but as a perfume and a tobacco additive 

Cellulose: Why Wood Pulp Is in Your Food

Cellulose: Why Wood Pulp Is in Your Food

Sometimes food additives which are naturally occurring aren’t necessarily good for you. Silicon dioxide is an additive that does no harm to the human body. But what about cellulose? You’ve probably seen the ingredient listed on your food packaging. If you’re the type who likes 

Gelatin: What is it and What’s in It?

Gelatin: What is it and What’s in It?

There’s a lot that goes into your food that you may not think about. The next time you’re about to bite down into that sweet Twizzler, stop. There’s gelatin in it. Have you thought about where gelatin comes from? Like cochineal and isinglass, gelatin is 

Isinglass: What is it? (Uses and More)

Isinglass: What is it? (Uses and More)

If you’re vegan, put down your beer and pour out your wine. In fact, if you’re anyone, put down your beer and read this first. As you know, brewing is a craft. There’s a balance you’ve got to achieve, and not just anyone can do 

Lanolin: Truth About this Weird Additive

Lanolin: Truth About this Weird Additive

Lanolin isn’t the most commonly used food additive out there. But it is one of the most questionable, if you think about it. Lanolin is most well known for its applications in health and personal care. Pregnant women rave about the benefits of lanolin, and 

Mechanically Separated Chicken: The Shocking Truth

Mechanically Separated Chicken: The Shocking Truth

What’s the deal with mechanically separated chicken, anyway? Chicken is chicken, right? Since the 1960s, food manufacturers have been using “every part of the chicken” to make fast food and even kids’ foods for grocery store sale; it can’t be that bad, right? Wrong. You 

Silicon Dioxide: The Shocking Truth About this Food Additive

Silicon Dioxide: The Shocking Truth About this Food Additive

Salt. Sugar. Crushed red pepper. Garlic powder. Silicon dioxide. Wait, what? What is silicon dioxide, and why is it in your seasonings? Is silicon dioxide harmful, and should you be sprinkling it onto your food? Silicon dioxide is an additive that’s frequently used in seasonings, 

Sodium Bisulfite: What is it? (Bizarre Additive)

Sodium Bisulfite: What is it? (Bizarre Additive)

There are additives, like cellulose and silicon dioxide, which are added to food. These additives are natural, and in small quantities they won’t cause you any harm. Gelatin and lanolin are examples of animal byproducts which are added to foods – again, they’re probably safe,