12 Popular Foods That Are Surprisingly Fake
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In today’s convenience-driven world, many foods we eat are not quite what they seem. From imitation crab meat to non-dairy coffee creamer, the food industry is filled with products designed to mimic the real thing, often at a lower cost or with a longer shelf life. While some of these “fake” foods are harmless, others may have unexpected health consequences or environmental impacts. Being aware of these foods can help you make more informed choices about what you eat. Here are 12 popular foods that are surprisingly fake.
Imitation Crab Meat
That California roll you love so much? There’s a good chance the “crab” inside is not actually crab at all, but a mixture of processed white fish, starch, and food coloring designed to mimic the taste and texture of real crab. While imitation crab is generally safe to eat, it’s important to be aware of what you’re actually consuming.
Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
Despite its name, most non-dairy coffee creamers actually contain very little cream or milk. Instead, they’re typically made from a combination of water, vegetable oil, corn syrup, and thickeners. Some also contain controversial ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils, which have been linked to heart disease.
Processed Cheese
Those individually wrapped cheese slices that are a staple of American sandwiches? They’re not actually cheese in the traditional sense, but a highly processed product made from a blend of milk, whey, milkfat, and various additives. While they may be convenient, they lack the nutritional value and flavor of real cheese.
Margarine
Margarine is often touted as a healthier alternative to butter, but the truth is more complicated. Most margarines are made from vegetable oils that have been hydrogenated to make them solid at room temperature, a process that creates harmful trans fats. Some newer margarines are trans-fat-free, but they’re still a highly processed product.
Pancake Syrup
That sweet, sticky syrup you pour over your pancakes? Chances are, it’s not actually maple syrup, but a concoction of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and caramel coloring. Real maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and contains beneficial nutrients like manganese and zinc.
Frozen Yogurt
While frozen yogurt is often marketed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, many varieties are actually loaded with added sugars and lack the beneficial probiotics found in regular yogurt. Some “froyo” is also made from a blend of yogurt and other ingredients like corn syrup and artificial flavors.
Vegetarian “Meat” Products
From veggie burgers to fake chicken nuggets, there are countless products on the market designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat for vegetarian and vegan consumers. While some of these products are made from whole food ingredients like beans and grains, others are highly processed and contain fillers, additives, and preservatives.
“Blueberry” Products
That blueberry muffin or cereal you’re eating? There’s a good chance those “blueberries” are actually made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors. In fact, many commercial “blueberry” products contain very little real fruit at all.
Wasabi
If you’ve ever eaten sushi at a restaurant, you’ve probably had the spicy green paste known as wasabi. However, most of the wasabi served in the U.S. is not actually made from wasabi root, but from a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. Real wasabi is rare and expensive, so most restaurants opt for the cheaper imitation version.
“Honey” Baked Ham
That glistening honey-baked ham may look and taste delicious, but there’s a good chance the “honey” glaze is actually made from a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and other sweeteners. In fact, many commercial honey-baked hams contain no honey at all.
Peanut Butter
While natural peanut butter is made from just peanuts and salt, many commercial brands contain added sugars, oils, and emulsifiers to improve texture and shelf life. Some “peanut butter” products are also made from a blend of peanuts and other cheaper ingredients like soy protein and corn syrup.
Canned Pumpkin
That can of pumpkin puree you use to make pumpkin pie? It’s probably not actually pumpkin at all, but a variety of squash known as Dickinson squash. This squash is less stringy and watery than regular pumpkins, making it better suited for canning and cooking.
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