We’ve all fallen prey to fake foods at some point, but don’t feel bad about it. Some of them are so good at pretending, even Sherlock Holmes would be fooled. Brace yourself as we reveal the truth about these 12 foods that are not what they appear to be.
Imitation crab
As mentioned, it’s not real crab, but rather a crafty blend of restructured fish. Don’t worry, though, it still tastes pretty crabby.
Wasabi
Japanese horseradish belongs to the family of Brassicaceae, which also includes horseradish and mustard in other genera. This plant is indigenous to Japan, the Russian Far East, including Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula. It is worth noting that most of the wasabi served outside of Japan is actually horseradish-dyed green, as true wasabi is quite expensive and less pungent.
Instant Ramen Noodles
From afar, it looks delicious—a perfect masterpiece to entice you. However, those innocent-looking noodles in your soup are deep-fried before packaging.
Truffle Oil
Truffle oil has a distinct flavor that can be described as earthy, pungent, mushroomy, perfumy, artificial, or even like gasoline. It can enhance the taste of several dishes, including eggs, pasta, pizza, mashed potatoes, vegetables, french fries, popcorn, and risotto. Just a little sprinkle of truffle oil can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your food.
Truffle oil should be used sparingly. A drop of truffle oil drizzled on a dish just before serving is enough to impart its unique flavor. Most versions have never seen an actual truffle. They are synthetically flavored.
American Cheese
Mais non! American cheese is not cheese! The cheese police cry out. And they have a point. American cheese—even the “fancy” stuff you can get sliced at the deli counter—is not exactly cheese. But here’s the thing. Saying “American cheese is not cheese” is like saying “meatloaf is not meat.” It’s a processed cheese product, not actual cheese.
Processed Honey
The unique sweetness and depth of flavour of honey make it a favourite ingredient for a variety of dishes and feasts throughout the world. In fact, in some cultures, especially in India, it is the first natural sweetener given to newborns because of its purity. Most store-bought honey is heavily processed and may not contain any pollen.
Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is traditionally a red, crimson, or scarlet-colored layer cake, layered with ermine icing. Traditional recipes do not use food coloring, with the red color due to non-Dutched, anthocyanin-rich cocoa. Common ingredients include buttermilk, butter, cocoa, vinegar, and flour.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is a confectionery typically made of sugar, milk, and cocoa butter, but no cocoa solids. It is pale ivory in color, and lacks many of the compounds found in milk, dark, and other chocolates. It’s not technically chocolate as it contains no cocoa solids.
Canned Pumpkin
We love maple syrup. But neither are welcome in our pumpkin pie. We don’t want the heady spices. We don’t need any of that earthy sweetness. We know the best pumpkin pies have rustic gourd flavor front and center.
Imitation Meat
With the rise of plant-based diets, more and more companies are producing imitation meat products made with soy protein, wheat gluten, and other processed ingredients. These products may look and taste like real meat, but they lack the nutritional value and health benefits of natural meats. Plus, they often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. So next time you’re craving a burger, opt for the real deal instead.
Artificial Sweeteners
Many “diet” or “sugar-free” products use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose to mimic the taste of sugar without the added calories. However, these sweeteners have been linked to various health concerns, such as headaches, digestive issues, and even cancer. Stick to natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation instead.
Margarine
Margarine was once promoted as a healthier option than butter. However, it is actually made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are also known as trans fats. These trans fats have been linked to various health problems, including heart diseases. It is recommended to consume real butter in moderation instead of using margarine.
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