Category: Food misconceptions

Tomatoes are a staple in cuisines worldwide, but a persistent myth questions their vegan status, causing confusion. This speculation often arises from a misunderstanding of botanical versus culinary definitions and, less frequently, outdated concerns about agricultural practices. The simple truth is that tomatoes are a plant-based food and are suitable for a vegan diet.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, one of the earliest recorded uses of 'gow' was as slang for opium, and it is not a food item at all. This surprising fact clarifies that there are zero calories in gow, as it is inedible and purely a linguistic term.

Interestingly, while the Japanese writing system known as kanji has no such properties, an Indian fermented drink with the same name is indeed known for its laxative effects. The confusion arises from a linguistic overlap, where two entirely different cultural items share a similar-sounding name.

The query 'What are the ingredients in Cheerios meat?' stems from a regional misnomer, as the famous breakfast cereal from General Mills contains no meat whatsoever. In certain parts of the world, particularly New Zealand and Australia, "Cheerios" is the brand name for a type of cocktail sausage that does, in fact, contain meat. This article clarifies the distinction between these two very different products.

According to research on food myths, many people misunderstand terminology related to food and nutrition, leading to confusion like 'How much sugar is in a pal?'. The simple answer is that "pal" is not a unit of measurement for sugar. Instead, this query often refers to one of several possibilities, most likely the popular low-sugar beverage brand, Pals, or the ingredient, palm sugar.

According to a 2023 survey by Today.com, grocery store placement is a significant reason for the confusion, leading many to think eggs are dairy. The misconception stems from various factors, including marketing and a misunderstanding of what defines a dairy product.

The Sanrio character Cinnamoroll has zero calories, as he is an adorable fictional puppy and not a consumable food item. This common question stems from a confusion between the character and the actual sweet baked good, the cinnamon roll.

According to the USDA, a three-ounce serving of New York Strip steak contains 23 grams of protein. This nutritional detail is key to understanding the popular query, "Is New York a lean meat?" which is based on a culinary misunderstanding confusing a famous city with a cut of beef.

According to the ingredients list, sugar and palm oil are Nutella's two most abundant ingredients, not hazelnuts and cocoa. This crucial fact challenges the popular misconception and compels a deeper look into the claim: why is Nutella so good for you?

According to the American Heart Association, over 75% of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from processed and restaurant foods, not the salt shaker. This statistic highlights a fundamental misunderstanding, and one of the primary reasons many people think seasoning is UNhealthy, confusing natural flavor enhancers with high-sodium additives.