Category: Consumer awareness

In a 2023 study, two-thirds of Brits were reportedly unaware that many of their favorite sweets contained "hidden meat," a statistic that highlights a lack of consumer knowledge. While no one is eating literal bones in sweets, many chewy candies contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), palm oil is found in nearly 50% of all packaged products sold in supermarkets, from snacks and spreads to cosmetics and detergents. Given its ubiquity, many are asking, "is palm oil really bad for us?" The answer is complex, involving health effects and significant environmental and social concerns.

The American Heart Association estimates the average American consumes more than double the recommended daily amount of added sugar. This overconsumption is often fueled by hidden sweeteners like corn syrup, which are present in a vast array of processed foods and beverages.

According to the World Health Organization, areca nut, a key ingredient in many pan masalas, is a known carcinogen. So, what does Rajnigandha contain and what are the specific health risks associated with its consumption? This article details the components of this popular pan masala, including its potential dangers.

According to studies, coffee is one of the most frequently adulterated food products globally, with fraudulent practices like dilution and substitution being widespread. In the context of maximizing profits, manufacturers may add various cheaper, non-coffee ingredients to ground coffee to increase its bulk and weight. This guide explains exactly what are the adulterants used in coffee powder and how they impact quality and safety.

For centuries, the world's most vibrant and coveted red dye came from a tiny source: the cochineal insect. This remarkable creature produces carminic acid, the core component of what is widely known as the original red food dye, and it has a long and fascinating history.

In the United States, over 90% of corn, soy, and cotton crops are grown from genetically engineered seeds. This means that many packaged and processed items contain bioengineered ingredients, leading consumers to seek a clearer understanding of what these foods are.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits is banned due to significant health hazards, yet the practice is still widespread. This raises serious concerns for consumers asking, what are the side effects of artificial ripening of fruits, and how to stay safe?

According to a 2017 report, "natural flavors" are one of the most common ingredients listed on food labels. But despite their ubiquitous presence, many consumers are left wondering: What do "natural flavors" mean in ingredients? The answer is more complex than it might seem, revealing a sophisticated and often opaque world of food science.

In the U.S., a version of Apeel called Organipeel was approved for certified organic produce, a decision that has caused significant controversy among organic advocates due to ingredient secrecy and approval methods. While designed to reduce food waste, its use raises complex questions about transparency, consumer trust, and the evolving nature of organic standards.