Tag: Food science experiment

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies globally, affecting a large percentage of the population. So, can we see iron in food? Surprisingly, for some processed foods like fortified cereals, the answer is yes, with the help of a magnet.

Over 40% of the global population is affected by iron deficiency, a widespread nutritional issue that food fortification helps address. This is why many cereals contain metallic iron, a fact that surprises many, especially those who see viral videos extracting magnetic particles from their breakfast.

When you mix Red Bull and milk together, the acidic compounds in the energy drink instantly curdle the milk's casein protein, a chemical reaction that creates a chunky, unappealing beverage. This reaction is not a myth but a verifiable scientific process easily demonstrated in a glass.

An unripe green banana is composed of 70–80% starch, a figure that dramatically decreases to less than 1% as it ripens. This significant transformation answers the question 'does banana test positive for starch?'—the result is entirely dependent on its stage of maturity.

Since the 1940s, manufacturers have fortified breakfast cereals with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, to combat nutrient deficiencies. The viral online question, 'Do they put iron shavings in cereal?', stems from the discovery that this added iron is in a safe, finely-milled metallic form.

Since the 1940s, breakfast cereals have been fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, to combat widespread nutritional deficiencies. This practice has raised a common question: **Does cereal have actual iron in it?** The answer, for many popular fortified cereals, is yes—and you can even prove it with a simple kitchen science experiment.