Tag: Conspicuous consumption

Historically used by ancient Egyptians for spiritual purposes, the tradition of eating 24K gold has evolved into a modern symbol of opulence and visual spectacle. Today, this precious metal is a status-driven garnish rather than a health aid, with pure, food-grade varieties being biologically inert.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), gold (E 175) has been authorized as a food additive, provided it meets strict purity standards. This authorization has fueled a growing trend in luxury dining, where sparkling gold flakes are used to garnish everything from desserts to cocktails. The question remains: is it healthy to eat gold flakes or is it simply a harmless culinary gimmick?