Tag: Beaver

For years, a persistent online rumor has claimed that a beaver's anal secretions are used to make vanilla ice cream flavoring. This article investigates that viral claim and reveals the surprising truth behind the ingredient known as castoreum.

For years, the internet has buzzed with a specific rumor, claiming that some flavorings are sourced from beaver anal glands. The question, "Do natural flavors come from beavers?" arises from the historical use of a substance called castoreum, which is now almost entirely absent from modern food production. This persistent myth stems from real, albeit outdated, practices and a misunderstanding of how flavor compounds are created today.

Despite a widespread rumor suggesting otherwise, virtually all vanilla extract available today is completely vegan. The long-standing misconception about vanilla extract not being vegan originates from misinformation regarding a rare, animal-derived flavoring agent that is not used in modern commercial vanilla production.