Whether you are eating home or dining out, choosing fresh, whole foods is the easiest way to know you are getting what you pay for.
But sometimes, even the most familiar ingredients are not what they seem. Here are 10 foods that we eat so often that are actually fake.
The hype over red velvet is one that is definitely here to stay. But did you know that red velvet cake or cupcake is essentially artificially coloured chocolate cake? Most recipes suggest one to two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to create the delicious chocolate cake with a dash of red colouring.
Need -To- Know
Although the negative impact of artificial food colourings is still controversial, it is best to consider the slice of red cupcake an occasional indulgence.
Your favorite wasabi is packed with more than just a bunch. Traditional Japanese wasabi is freshly grated and can cost up to $100 per pound. If your wasabi is not that expensive, it is probably because it is a combination of mustard, horseradish and free food colouring.
Need-To-Know
While horseradish may offer some antibacterial benefits, non-traditional wasabi is paved with artificial flavours and colorings.
The crab meat in your favourite sushi roll is technically a kamaboko, which is a processed seafood made of the pulverized paste of white fish flesh. And of course, orange food colouring is used to make it look like the creature that lives on the bottom of the sea.
Need- To- Know
If crab meat is your go-to-sushi, you might want to switch to salmon or yellowfin tuna to know what you are actually eatnig.
White chocolate lacks the two must-have components that chocolates should have – chocolate liquour, cocoa solids. The lack of these ingredients means it also misses the antioxidants that give the authentic nutritional benefits.
Need-To-Know
When buying white chocolate, look out for one with cocoa butter, with an ivory hue, not pure white.
While pomegranate juice has loads of nutritional benefits, it might just give the opposite if you are not careful which bottle you grab. There have been a number of reports claiming that a majority of pomegranate juice on the market is actually grape juice and grape skin.
Need-To-Know
You can reap the full benefits of pomegranate juice in your own kitchen. Deseed them and pop them in as a snack or even make your own homemade pomegranate juice.
While traditional maple syrup can be healthy, most breakfast syrups you find at your local supermarkets are not.There are lots of commercial versions which are made up of two types of corn syrup and a ton of artificial additives.
Need-To-Know
Reach for the bottle that says 100% pure maple syrup for a sweeter yet nutritious fix.
Bacon bits might not be as meaty as you though they were. The crispy bites are made of artificially flavoured textured soy flour and other vegan ingredients!
Need-To-Know
If your inner meat lover is craving some of the bacon goodness, then chop up some of the real stuff and sprinkle in on your potato. At least now you know what it is you are actually eating!
If you’re jumping on the veggie burgers bandwagon, then you’re in for a shocker. Most veggie patties are not made of vegetables, instead, they are filled with ingredients such as soy, wheat gluten and vegetable oil.
Need-To-Know
You can make vegetable patties at home, with your own fresh ingredients. You can look up recipes online, whether you want to have more vegetables or use soy.
Your favourite butter topping for popcorn is not actually butter. It is typically made from hydrogenated soybean oil, artificial flavouing, beta carotene for colour and preservatives.
Need-To-Know
Pop and flavour some of your own corn at home and you can try various delicious and healthy versions.
Your favourite caffeine fix may not be what you actually think. Ground coffee can contain additives such as wheat and barley. You’re not going to know the difference when it is in the bag.
Need-To-Know
If you brew your own pot at home, buy your beans whole, not ground.