Category: Urban legends

The explosive eruption of a Mentos dropped into a bottle of diet soda is a popular viral video, but a far different and less dramatic reaction occurs inside the human stomach. The urban myth that your stomach will explode if you eat Mentos after drinking soda is completely false, and understanding the science behind the separate reactions is key to demystifying this popular misconception.

In 2015, a viral report found that 2% of sampled hotdogs contained trace amounts of human DNA, creating widespread concern. While the headline sounds alarming, the story behind the genomic testing results is far less sinister than many people believe, and understanding the context is critical to separate fact from sensationalism.

Despite widespread urban legends, the taurine found in Red Bull and other energy drinks is not derived from animal products, but is instead produced synthetically in a lab. The myth stems from a combination of the ingredient's name and its original, historical discovery.

Despite popular rumors, the iconic American candy Twizzlers has never been permanently banned from public sale. The myth likely originates from confusion with a UK product called Turkey Twizzlers, or a misunderstanding of specific, temporary product recalls. This article clarifies why Twizzlers were mentioned in stories about bans and separates fact from the widely circulated fiction.

According to food historian lore, a mid-20th-century urban legend claimed that maraschino cherries were preserved with formaldehyde. In reality, this is a pervasive myth, and formaldehyde is not used in the modern production of maraschino cherries.

For decades, a persistent urban legend has claimed that natural vanilla flavor comes from a secretion from a beaver's anal glands. This claim, while partially based on historical fact, is not true for virtually all commercial vanilla products today. Understanding the difference between historical use and modern food production reveals the surprising reality behind this food myth.

The rumor that a beaver's anal secretions, known as castoreum, are used to create raspberry flavoring is a persistent urban legend. While it is technically possible and historically has occurred, the use of castoreum in modern food production for raspberry flavoring is almost non-existent. The vast majority of raspberry flavors today are derived from synthetic sources or other plant-based materials.

The explosive geyser from combining Mentos and soda is a famous scientific demonstration, but contrary to popular belief, it won't happen inside your stomach. The real risk is discomfort, so understanding what should not be eaten with Mentos is key to avoiding an upset stomach.

The claim that Maruchan noodles contain plastic or a wax coating is a false internet rumor that has circulated since at least the year 2000. Despite the convincing visual of noodles not sticking together, manufacturers confirm no such ingredients are used. This article will explore the origin and reality behind the myth to clarify that Maruchan noodles do not have plastic in them.

In 1999, a four-year-old girl in Wales reportedly turned orange after drinking 1.5 liters of Sunny D every day, sparking a memorable media sensation. The story became a famous urban legend, causing alarm among parents and tanking the drink's sales in the UK. This article investigates the surprising truth behind the myth: does Sunny D make you orange?