35 Crazy Facts about Food That'll Surprise Anyone

Here’s a fun fact most folks probably didn’t know: figs are not fruit—they’re flowers! Yes, these round things that are mostly used in many dessert dishes are delicious, but they come with little creatures. Apparently, wasps love them just as much as humans, so they tend to favor them compared to other flora and fauna.

Many of these bugs crawl their way into the “male figs” and utilize them as incubators for their unhatched eggs. Luckily for us, humans eat “female figs,” so we should be a bit on the safe side. Regardless, that still doesn’t rule out the possibility of snacking on baby wasps. How’s that for an exotic meal?

Add shredded cheese to any dish, and it will immediately taste better. Unfortunately, investigations revealed that it contains a less-than-desirable component. Most people would have to look up the definition of “cellulose” if they saw it on the ingredient list of grated Parmesan or shredded cheese.

Cellulose is a common fiber found in textiles and paper. Since cellulose is formed chiefly from wood pulp, eating cheese is synonymous with eating cellulose. We need not worry about eating it, though, since experts say it’s not harmful even when digested in significant amounts. It’s safe to say that perhaps frequent trips to the bathroom are all there is to it!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but true brown sugar does not exist. Who would have guessed that was just a marketing ploy so people would think it’s the “healthier option?” Indeed, both white and brown sugar are technically the same thing, except that the latter has molasses in it.

Despite common assumptions, both forms of sugar are equally nutritionally worthless. So, it does not make a significant difference whether one prefers white or brown. Unless the thought of eating a lesser evil form of sugar is essential, then, by all means, grab a spoonful of brown sugar for that morning cup of coffee.

Most of us have probably only eaten lobster when we’re out dining in a fancy restaurant. Due to its high cost, only a select few can afford to splurge on it, most of the time on special occasions. Yet, believe it or not, these crustaceans are not for the wealthy and affluent only.

Back in the day, lobsters were a preferred meat option for jailbirds and servants. It’s an affordable choice, plus it’s rich in protein. As such, inmates across the country and even the staff relied heavily on it in almost all their meals. Today, though, lobster is likely to be the costliest dish on the menu at any upscale eatery.

Avocados are loved by many. From baby mash to toast meals for hipsters, we love them. Known as "green gold" in Mexico, their popularity has been both a blessing and a curse for farmers. Avocado farming became so profitable that even a small plot could provide enough income for a farmer to afford to send their children to college.

However, this economic success, valued at $3 billion annually, has drawn the attention of Mexico’s cartels. These crime groups use violence to get their way, seizing plantations, destroying forests to plant their own orchards, and demanding protection fees from farmers. Avocado pickers have been forced to work at gunpoint, and truck drivers have been robbed of their loads. Farmers who resist face torture and death.

You might want to think twice about grabbing an egg-based fast food breakfast when morning hunger strikes. In an effort to cut production costs, many fast food chains use an egg substitute called "Premium Egg Blend" for their breakfast dishes. This blend contains a substance called glycerine, which might sound unfamiliar, but you’ve likely encountered it in your shower or shaving routine.

Yup, glycerine is a solvent commonly found in shaving foam and soap. While consuming small amounts of it probably won't harm you, it doesn’t exactly scream breakfast, does it? The idea of eating something that’s also used in personal care products can be off-putting, to say the least. So next time you’re in line for a quick breakfast fix, it might be worth considering what's really in those eggs.

There is a great demand for coriander. Households may use it to spice up any recipe to get a delicious herb taste. That is, in certain cases at least. For those with the OR6A2 receptor gene, coriander has an inexplicable soapy flavor.

The bitter taste of this little green leaf has caused some individuals to recoil in horror. This gene apparently makes coriander extremely offensive to the senses. So, the next time you have a guest who prefers zero coriander in their dish, it’s likely because they have the “anti-coriander gene.” It is safe to assume that the vast majority of people either do not possess this gene or deal with its effects in silence.

Not many people realize this, but bananas aren’t just a wonderful source of dietary fiber and potassium; they also provide another, more surprising benefit. Everyone loves them, whether they’re eaten with ice cream, on a cream pie, or in a smoothie. Fruit fanatics just can’t get enough of it!

Well, this piece of information may come as a shock, but people and fruit reportedly possess a surprising amount of the same genetic material. According to recent studies, bananas and humans share 60 percent of their DNA. Indeed, we are probably going to start thinking about them differently the next time we reach for one in the morning.

People across the world are obsessed with McDonald’s fries because of how tasty they are. Sure, they are not the healthiest snack to have around, but we can’t get enough of their greasy potato flavor. Few people know that McDonald’s used to cook them in beef fat for several years.

Back in the day, fries were deep-fried in fatty beef oil, but the fast-food chain realized it would be a better option to use vegetable oil instead. Of course, there might be a slight change in the taste, but it means more sales on the company’s end since it will probably lure vegan customers. Whether it’s animal or vegetable fat, it’s still appetizing!

When we think about Vitamin C, citrus fruits come to mind. We learned about nutrition in school, and they are the best sources of ascorbic acid. Naturally, when we want to have an abundance of it, we consume lots of oranges or chug glasses of its juice.

Yet, the fruit is not the best source of Vitamin C—because a cup of bell peppers contains three to four times the 70 milligrams found in an orange. On top of that, the ascorbic acid found in the vegetable family increases as they mature. Take, for example, a large yellow pepper that contains a whopping 342 milligrams of Vitamin C!

People who bake are familiar with this kitchen mistake—not checking if an egg is good or bad before cracking it open. For the unfamiliar peeps, once you realize you have a rotten one, it's already too late; it's all mixed up with the rest of your ingredients. What's worse is the stink, which is very similar to the smell of septic gas.

No one wants to be around such odor, and there happens to be a trick to identify a rotten egg without opening it. Take a bowl and fill it with water; if the eggs you put sink to the bottom, they're good. On the contrary, those that float are the bad ones. Dispose of them immediately!

Have you ever wondered what gives red velvet cake its color as you devour a slice of it? Did you know that it's basically a chocolate cake that has been turned into a crimson shade? The cake's exact origins are unknown, but many believe the fancy dessert originated in Maryland at the beginning of the 20th century.

The cake came to be because of a demand for baked treats that were less coarse and more "velvety." Originally, bakers added boiled beet juice to turn the batter scarlet instead of the red food coloring widely used today. Here's a fun fact—the food dye's main ingredient is carmine, which is crushed up cochineal bugs.

You can add the perfect punch to a holiday dessert by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg—eggnog and cider are not the same without the nutty and woody flavor. Yet, winter's beloved spice is also used as an unconventional method of getting high. Consuming too much of it would feel like taking hallucinogenic drugs. The chemical compound that causes the said "nutmeg intoxication" is called myristicin.

Overconsumption of the substance could lead to dizziness, dry mouth, confusion, and even seizure, on top of the hallucinations. Nevertheless, one has to consume at least five grams of the spice to feel those side effects. Of course, that rarely happens because putting too much nutmeg in baked goods could make them taste bitter or soapy.

Fruit snacks are so popular you can find them everywhere, even in snack packs at the movies. Of course, the most common places you could see the treats are in lunch boxes and birthday goodie bags. Nevertheless, despite their name, they are still basically candies, especially with the sugar it contains.

If you look at the packaging of fruit snacks, a common ingredient is corn syrup, which provides excess calories minus any nutritional benefits. On top, the sweets contain gelatin that comes from the bones and cartilage of animals. Vegetarians should not think they are safe to eat because of the "fruit" in the name.

As a general rule, any fruit with the word "berry" in it should be considered a berry. Yet, that's not the reality because, for one, strawberries are not actually berries. The fact is, fruit should have only one ovary to belong in the fruit group, and strawberries happen to grow from one flower that has several ovaries.

It's mind-blowing, right? After years of eating strawberries, you discover it's not a berry after all. It's not just this yummy produce that doesn't belong to the berry group, even raspberries and blackberries are excluded. Another surprising fact is the fruits that fall under the berries category, such as avocados, kiwis, and bananas!

Although it's part of its advertisement, there's a truth to the statement that Jell-O is America's most famous dessert. Not only that, but it's also the favorite of many. What's not to like? They are fun to look at with their colors and jiggly quality and are yummy. So, many would probably turn a blind eye when we get to the part of explaining how the treats are made.

The gelatin is made up of collagen from boiling hides and bones of animals. Some may react with disgust after discovering how the snacks are produced, but collagen has been proven to have many health benefits. What should concern consumers is that Jell-O comprises 90 percent sugar.

Could you tell real wasabi from fake wasabi if both were right in front of you? Chances are that you’ve been eating the fake one every time you order some. Unfortunately, real wasabi or Japanese horseradish is relatively scarce, making it costly.

Loved for its highly spicy content, wasabi is usually served alongside sushi and sashimi. The real wasabi is naturally green in color, while the fake one has green food dye added to it. We hope we’ve not ruined sushi for you.

It’s a common myth that garlic can be used to keep off vampires. Besides chasing monsters, garlic is one of the healthiest spices one can ever consume. It seems garlic is joining apples to keep the doctor away. Eating one regularly keeps cholesterol and blood pressure in normal ranges.

It also provides you with a lot of other nutrients, including vitamin B6, which helps improve mood by keeping anxiety away, among other health benefits. We know the little bulb has an awful smell, but as you can see, it’s worth it.

Do you know where cashews come from? They grow on a fruit that looks like an apple which is edible. While the nuts are processed and sold as cashews, the fruits, which are usually bitter, are, in turn, used in cooking jams, chutneys, and juices. What a productive tree!

Nevertheless, here comes the catch. The tree is only harvested once per year. At least, we now know why cashews are that expensive. Have you ever seen these trees growing around your area?

We always rush to crack open our eggs, beat them, and add them to our mixtures or quickly put them in a frying pan. Maybe after reading this, you will not be so quick the next time you cook eggs.

Always check the color of your egg yolk to get an idea of the chicken's diet. A brighter yolk means that the hen's diet included alfalfa and corn, while a duller yolk indicates the hen wasn't eating a diet full of additives.

If there was an award for the most resourceful food, it would definitely go to potatoes. From being fried, baked, mashed, and even roasted, they make a mean meal that can be served during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not to forget, potatoes can even make vodka if well preserved. It’s truly an elite vegetable.

Come to think of it, has the thought of potato juice ever crossed your mind? Don’t just dismiss it because it sounds strange; give it a try, and you might even like it. How about the next time you juice them and enjoy a potato smoothie instead of mashing them?

Are you bored of always eating chicken eggs? Here is a better and more nutritious option for you. Quail eggs! These are the new craze in town as they are packed with higher levels of nutrients, vitamins, and even proteins. So for those looking for a faster way to gain muscles, there is your solution.

They are, however, smaller in size and more pricey than chicken eggs but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of making the change in our opinion. Be adventurous and try quail eggs. You might even love them more than you anticipated.

Among the many fruits we see in this world, bananas are the most common and popular fruit. They are full of antioxidants and nutrients. Most days, you don’t need to be told twice to eat a banana. After all, it’s delicious and perfect for snacking. The only strange thing about bananas is that they can’t reproduce.

Rather than follow the general reproduction rule, bananas clone each other naturally. If there's a stock of bananas ready for export, they are likely from the same banana plant! What’s more interesting is that if a disease were to affect bananas, all bananas would be affected, and the yummy yellow fruit would be gone.

You’ve been told that soda is not good for your health, and all those artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, additives, and preservatives won't provide any nutritional value. While that’s all true, you can drink Mountain Dew for a harmless ingredient no one knows.

Mountain Dew has orange juice, which makes the soda a tiny bit better than others. So, if you are drinking this soda and someone points out the harmful effects, just tell them you are technically drinking orange juice.

When it comes to protein consumption, eggs are one of the most nutritional foods to eat. You can have it boiled, fried, or whip up an omelet. No matter how you eat it, eggs are yummy! Having said that, their taste factor does not change the fact that they aren’t as healthy for people with high cholesterol as they are for others.

Egg yolks, specifically, have a high amount of cholesterol, fat, and sodium content. Those with cholesterol issues should avoid eating the yolk at all costs, but that does not mean you can’t get a piece of this delicious protein-induced food. If you really want it, eat the egg whites from now on.

Tomato is a popular fruit, without which we can't prepare several delicious dishes. Do you think pasta and pizza can have the same mouthwatering taste without tomatoes? Think again! Given the popularity of Italian cuisine in the world, it’s commonly believed that tomatoes originated in Italy.

Actually, they don’t. Tomatoes are from Mesoamerica—the region we know today as South America and Mexico. So if someone ever shares a fact about tomatoes’ origin over a slice of pizza, don’t hesitate to correct them.

The thing you see in this picture is a puffball mushroom. It’s a native of Europe and North American lands, which is not the most exciting thing to know about this mushroom. What you should be interested in is the texture and flavor of this vegetable.

As a huge fluffy ball of veggie, this mushroom looks intimidating and may prevent people from tasting it, but you must know that it does not have a strong flavor. In fact, if you cook with something else, this mushroom will easily absorb the taste of your other main ingredient and spices. So, if you are new to mushrooms, you should start with this one.

Centuries ago, pineapples were so expensive that only the European elite could afford to buy them. Eating a pineapple was synonymous with affluence, and if you held dinner parties or threw big events, you would invite friends and family over just to show off your pineapple, which, at the time, would cost you over $8,000.

This was all thanks to the rarity of the tropical crop. Fortunately for us, though, at the start of the 20th century, a man named James Dole was able to mass produce them in Hawaii, and today, we can waltz into a grocery store and buy this once-costly golden fruit.

If you enjoy eating corn, then chances are you’ve eaten the yellow and white variants and other foods processed from maize like cornflakes and popcorn. The big question is, have you ever eaten corn that looked like this colorful masterpiece? What you can see is called flint corn, a type of maize fruit that was grown through years of selective breeding.

Though you’ve probably never seen one, these flint corns are one of the oldest types and were originally cultivated by Native Americans. Unlike other corns, these ones have a tougher outer layer and are commonly processed into hominy and other staple foods.

We all know how different foods taste thanks to the taste buds functioning in our tongues. When you have doughnuts, you know they’re sugary and tasty, and when you eat fries from McDonald’s, you’ll instantly perceive that they’re super salty. Yet, all this changes the moment you get on a plane.

A lot of people have remarked that they don’t enjoy airplane food, and that’s all because of the altitude, atmospheric pressure, and dry air suppressing their taste buds during a flight. This is why your favorite chocolate bar can go from tasting like heaven on land to stale or even salty on a plane.

In almost any smoothie, fruit salad, or dish, kale is a key ingredient. This vegetable is rich in so many nutrients that marketing brands have opted for the byline "superfood" when advertising it. The fun fact is, before the food industry began to appreciate all the insane health benefits packed into this single veggie, it was solely used as a side dressing.

Pizza Hut would purchase loads of these things to make pizza appear more appetizing and also to conceal the ice underneath certain dishes. Today, we’ve all learned how medicinal kale is to our bones, eyes, and even hearts; we just can’t eat a meal without it.

Everyone knows that the word "mango" was introduced to English due to the influence of Indian culture and cuisine. This yellow delicacy originated in India thousands of years ago, and today, it is pretty much an integral part of most people’s weekly shopping spree. What you probably didn’t know is that these particular "Indian" mangoes aren’t really Indian after all.

The Alphonso mango, also known as the king of Indian mangoes, was introduced by Portuguese colonists. It was named after the Portuguese ruler, Alphonso de Albuquerque, and it became widely sought after due to its distinct size, shape, and exquisite taste. The ancient Indians probably adored this variety so much that they had to make it theirs.

Peaches and nectarines are everyone's favorite summer staples. They are not only sweeter and juicier but also have similar and high nutritional content. Chances are that you might have confused one for the other. Have you ever wondered about the difference between the two?

Both these stone fruits are genetically identical, but the significant difference lies in their skins. While peaches have a fuzzy appearance, nectarines have a smooth and firm coating due to a recessive gene. Nectarines also appear smaller than peaches. Apart from this tiny difference, they offer you the same joys of summer, and you can use them interchangeably for your smoothies, desserts, etc.

No matter the season, that one bottle of honey on your shelf appears unchanging with a storage life that never seems to end. You would be surprised to know that this consistent look indicates your honey is probably processed.

Natural and unfiltered honey changes its colors throughout the year. The color of the honey mostly depends on the type of flower pollinated by our buzzing friends. Pollination season and storage conditions also affect the appearance of this sweet liquid. Light-colored honey has a mild taste, while darker ones give a strong flavor and a higher concentration of antioxidants.

Ask Indians about their favorite local food, and you will find Rajma Chawal among many lists. Made with red kidney beans in a thick and spicy gravy, this dish is best served with rice. Not only in India, but it’s also a popular vegetarian food item in Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan.

Kidney beans, however, aren’t native to the Indian subcontinent. So how has this item firmly placed itself among the everyday local foods of these countries? Rewinding history shows that the Portuguese brought these beans with them when they came to India for trade. With the long rule of Portugal in the country, Indians adopted the legume with a recipe miming the traditional Mexican cooking style.

Peanut butter is a go-to ingredient for kids and adults alike. This delicious and all-around spread is perfect for your waffles and sandwiches as well as for your smoothies and salads. Moreover, even dogs love peanut butter treats. Apparently, the talent of this paste goes beyond making food tastier.

Scientists have found out you can actually make diamonds from peanut butter. Before you run to the store and make a stock of peanut butter jars, remember that this was achieved in specific, simulated conditions similar to Earth’s mantle. While you can’t turn peanut butter into a money-making business at present, maybe knowing this interesting fact can make you appreciate the brown paste even more!

Chocolate has become one of the most popular flavors worldwide, finding a place in almost every food item. It’s a part of every function, not only as an ingredient in cakes and desserts but also as a perfect gift for loved ones.

Even though chocolate is now seen as an inexpensive delicacy, it was nothing less than the greenback for the Mayan people. Chocolate was used as a currency by them for trading and bartering purposes. While we eat chocolates now with abandon, it was valuable enough to be exchanged for spices, clothes, and tobacco back in the day.

These Popular Foods Have Been Banned in Different Parts of the WorldWith every country having its own rules and regulations, it's no surprise that your favorite food item might not be allowed anywhere you go. Some countries ban certain food items, even the best-tasting ones, so having that delicious french fry might be illegal somewhere else.

If you're wondering why they would be banned, it's generally because of the toxic ingredients or because of conservation issues, it depends on the country! Even Fruit Loops, the popular cereal, is one of the food items that is banned in many European countries. Lets' take a look at the list and find out the reasons why...

Many burger lovers out there, will say that the best way to have your meat is as "bloody" as you can. Unfortunately for those burger lovers with that opinion, New Zealand and parts of the U.K will disagree.

They won't be able to get their rare meat fix in these countries that have banned any beef cooked below medium rare! This is because it's believed to have extremely high levels of bacteria in the meat and New Zealand and parts of the U.K just won't risk it. Can you blame them?

Fruit Loops is no doubt a popular and well-sold cereal worldwide, however, not every country is proud of the reputation it has and has decided to ban the cereal. Many cereal brands from North America are known for containing high levels of sugar with little nutritional value making it unhealthy for children.

Countries in Europe like Norway, France, Finland, and Austria are a few places that have raised their youth without the colorful loops to start their day. After scientific investigation, there have been links between the Fruit Loops food coloring and cell development complications!

Food is an important factor in any country, people travel all over the world to experience food and if it's not good quality, the news will get around. This is why many countries are picky when it comes to what they allow to be sold on their streets.

Venice in Europe, for example, has banned the selling of kebabs as they're considered to be low-quality food that is just drowned in sauce. If you're a kebab late-night snacker, you'll have to reconsider your go-to meal when you're in Venice or parts of Europe.

Chewing gum can have many benefits. It's not only convenient when you have a meeting or event and need to make your breath smell nice, but it's also fun to chew and blow bubbles. Some places around the world only see the negatives and have banned chewing gum completely.

If you're in Singapore, you'll have to switch to mouthwash or breath mints next time you want nice-smelling breath. Singapore banned gum in 1992 to prevent their streets from being dirty. If you chew gum in Singapore you will have to pay a $100,000 fine or end up behind bars!

When fat-free chips were created, it was ideal for anyone on a diet or wanting to make a healthier lifestyle choice as the chips were an alternative to greasy and fatty snacks. Turns out, some countries disagree with fat-free chips being the healthier alternative after all.

Places like Canada and U.K have banned fat-free chips because of the ingredient olestra which causes stomach problems with cramps and gas. Some countries aren't willing to pay that price no matter how fat-free they are.

Another popular food is mac and cheese, both children and adults love it. In this case, we're referring to the boxed pasta, the one with a sachet of cheese powder, not the homemade one.

If you're living in some European countries such as Union, Austria, and Norway you'll have to ditch the easy box meal and find something else for your child's lunch as mac and cheese is banned. According to these European countries, the coloring agents in the box are harmful to children.

Who doesn't love crispy french fries? they're tasty and easy to cook when you're in a hurry. Many people across the globe have stocked up on frozen french fries because they stay fresh forever right in your freezer.

One place where you won't find frozen fries in people's freezers is in Austria, Singapore, and the U.K. These countries have banned frozen french fries of all brands due to the ingredient of azodicarbonamide which is harmful as it negatively affects people with asthma.

Kinder Joy eggs have been a popular and delicious chocolate treat with a toy until it was banned across the United States. When it was banned in 1933 for 50 years before an event took place canceling the prohibition.

The eggs made by Ferrero were banned based on an initiation by the FDA stating that the toys inside the eggs were choking hazards for children across America. Currently, some eggs are no longer banned except for popular ones across the U.S as they're still considered dangerous.

Have you ever heard of casu marzu? it's a popular pecorino cheese that is made through the process of fermentation which gives it a creamy decadent texture. The way it's fermented, giving it the desired taste, is the reason why it's banned in America.

Before the cheese reaches the creamy texture, fly larvae, used to release a liquid to break down the cheese are put inside the cheese before it gets fermented. Can't blame America along with some other countries for not wanting to eat maggot cheese.

If you're wondering what durian fruit is, it's a creamy textured fruit found on the Southeast Asian islands. The fruit has the texture of cheesecake and tastes as sweet as custard, sounds great right? but there's only one downfall.

Regardless of how delicious this fruit is, some countries can't get passed the one thing that isn't great about durian fruit and that's its smell. Singapore banned the durian fruit purely because of the repulsive smell it carries.

Gone are the days when you could simply eat anything you wanted, even horse meat. One modern medicine came around, horse meat was given the ban and people stopped eating it.

Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have both outlawed eating horse meat and for good reason. The medicine and drugs given to horses over their lives can only do more harm to individuals who eat horse meat than good.

Unlike many of the food items on this list, this item was not banned for any of the harmful ingredients it was all about the outside. Samosas, the South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, has become banned by Somalia.

According to Somalia, the samosa's shape with three corners look similar to the Christianity symbol for Holy Trinity and was therefore banned by Somalia religious leaders in 2011. Turns out, that sometimes it's not always the inside that counts.

Who doesn't like a citrus refresher on a hot summer's day? Citrus is supposedly a healthy ingredient to have in your drink, however, don't be fooled as not all citrus drinks are good for you. Many citrus drinks are banned around the world because they use brominated vegetable oil (BVO).

BVO is used to help with carbonation and prevents the ingredients in the beverage from separating. It's the bromine that's the problem, as it has a reputation for affecting the thyroid negatively and many of these drinks have therefore been banned around the world such as in the United States.

Have you ever thought of what a cake or donut would like without any decoration? sprinkles give that extra something. Who would've thought, something as small and necessary as sprinkles would ever be banned!

Well, in Great Britain, they didn't technically ban all sprinkles, just any from the United States. Sprinkles from the U.S contain the ingredient erythrosine which is also known as FD&C Red No. 3. This ingredient allegedly causes hyperactivity in children and has been banned in Great Britain.

American-made white bread is one of those timeless food items that can fix any craving. Whether it's a PB&J sandwich or a grilled cheese, it does the job. This is why it's surprising to hear that some countries have banned American-made white bread. United Kingdom, Canada, Peru, and other countries have banned this bread due to the large amounts of potassium bromate used in the bread.

The potassium bromate helps with the fast production of the bread and is cost-efficient for the bread makers but it has a negative link to problems with the kidney and nervous system as well as cancer which is why it's banned.

Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece, and Luxembourg all ban the healthy-based product, soybeans! As time has gone on, the popular food item has become increasingly used worldwide except for the few places that have given it the boot.

This is all thanks to farmers trying to keep up with the demand by using genetically modified strategies to increase the amount they make. The chemicals used to genetically modify their crops have been linked with cancer which is why these countries have prohibited them.

This one doesn't count in the world and can be considered as being banned out of this world, in space to be exact. Due to the lack of gravity and the nature of salt and pepper being granular, the duo has been banned in space.

Turns out, that the grains in salt and pepper become a threat to the electronic equipment. Can you think of anything worse than not being able to add some flavor to your food? luckily, there's a solution. The astronauts have to use liquid salt and pepper for their food instead.

We can understand why instant mash potatoes are a popular food item, it's quick and easy to make, however, it definitely wouldn't beat the old fashion way of making them. Regardless, when we're hungry we tend to go for faster over the best quality.

In countries such as Japan, Australia, the European Union, United Kingdom, the hard way of mashing potatoes is all they'll know as they don't have the privilege of convenient instant mash. Because of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) which is found in the instant mash, it has been prohibited.

Countries such as Russia, China, European Union, and others have joined in the union to ban pork from the United States. This is due to the overly grown size of swine in America after the chemicals that they're given.

The chemical ractopamine is given to the animals to assist with the leanness of the pigs which can cause harmful side effects just like any drug can. One of the most harmful threats is to the heart as it causes hyperactivity making the heart beat faster than the usual rate.

Eating skittles is the closest thing a person can get to eating a rainbow. The colorful sweet treat has increased in popularity over the years and the brand has come out with numerous flavors and options.

It's because of its bright colors that skittles have been banned in a few places, specifically Norway and Sweden. The artificial colors known as yellow five and yellow six have been linked to causing hyperactivity and allergic reactions.

Hotdogs have been a delicious and efficient party item in many countries for years. After the United Emirates ran some studies on the obesity of children in Abu Dhabi they concluded that several food items are the cause of this, including hotdogs.

The main cause of this problem was the processed meat used for hotdogs as they're high in saturated fats and they have very little nutritional value for children. In all cafeterias around the UE, they were banned along with candy, soda, and chips.

The French cuisine, foie gras, is a food item made out of duck live. Those individuals with rich palates crave the delicate flavor and they're willing to pay a hefty price for it. Sadly, the way it's prepared has made it banned in a few countries around the world.

During the preparation, the foie is made by ducks being force-fed by tube for nearly two weeks just to create the rich buttery texture of the foie gras. Many countries have agreed that the French cuisine is not worth the cruelty of those ducks and sometimes goose.

If you've ever tried a Little Debbie dessert, you'll know just how tasty and addictive they are. The Little Debbie swiss rolls particularly have been given a lot of hype for their taste along with hate by countries due to the food coloring used to make the dessert.

The food colorings Yellow five and Red 40 have been related to children expressing behavior problems after tests were conducted. The swiss rolls received more criticism after showing an effect on birth defects, organ failure, and cancers! While some countries allow it along as there's a warning on the box, Norway and Austria have said no completely.

Certain countries like Japan have completely banned the sales or consumption of stovetop stuffing by Kraft. This is a result of the product having BHA and BHT which are harmful preservatives used in processed food. Kraft is the same company that produces the popular mac n cheese!

After investigation, both ingredients showed side effects of blood clotting because of being carcinogenic. Some countries in Europe also jumped on board and banned stovetop stuffing after these studies.

Ritz crackers, the common snack eaten all over the US have not made their way into European food stalls because of one ingredient, hydrogenated cottonseed oil. Studies have shown both benefits and risks from cottonseed oil but the cons outweighed the pros in this case.

Cottonseed oil contains gossypol which can cause infertility and liver damage which resulted in ritz crackers being prohibited in places like Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. Cottonseed oil can also be used as a pesticide if left un-refined.

United Kingdom, Japan, and parts of Europe have all prohibited the famous wheat thins. The ingredient BHT generally used in potato chips and cereal was found in wheat and is the reason it's banned.

The BHT is used to give the product a longer life span but it comes at a cost. High doses of BHT can cause skin irritability, infertility, and cancer. There is not much evidence to support these claims so currently, foods containing BHT are still approved y the American FDA.

Due to the increased popularity of charcuterie boards, cheese has become a largely consumed item, especially in Europe. As a result, a large number of unpasteurized cheeses have been produced and the US have banned them from their country. Although their beliefs have never been proven, the US believes that unpasteurized cheese makes people sick.

This may be true for pregnant woman or people who are lactose intolerant but studies show that all milk, regardless of whether it's pasteurized or not have friendly bacteria which doesn't affect humans.

If you're looking to spend some quality fun baking time in the kitchen a box mix is usually the most ideal way to do it. It has few complications, is cost-efficient, and is simple to follow. Sadly, you can only do this if you're living outside of Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark.

Countries in Europe and the US have banned baking mixes because of the trans fats in the products. The Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix is one of the boxes that have been prohibited due to cottonseed oil. If you're staying in the countries that prohibit it, you'll have to whip brownies up the old-fashioned way.

The method used for Halal meat is controversial and can be seen as unethical by many as it involves the slaughtering of animals without stunning them before. The way Halal meat and Kosher meat are prepared are similar except for the fact that Kosher meat allows only certain animal parts to be consumed.

Greece banned both Halal and Kosher meat due to the way the animals are slaughtered as it violates their Animal Welfare Acts. Greece didn't get away with banning Halal meat easily and was given backlash for their decision.

38 countries have currently banned genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means that the organisms are designed in labs to continue with a specific treat in vegetation and animals. It may sound beneficial but it comes with a cost.

Studies show that the mutations of these organisms have negative effects on natural ecosystems and crops. GMOs also show genetic problems in humans and animals after being consumed. GMOs also give a higher chance of having gastrointestinal and immense system issues resulting in many countries prohibiting them.

Pop-tarts are a popular breakfast in the States, mainly because they're delicious and easy to make, however, they're filled with sugar. Just like most sugary breakfasts, they have food coloring ingredients with negative effects.

The EU has banned teh sugary breakfast after studies showed a link between behavioral issues in children with pop-tarts. There is a loophole, in some EU stores, they have a permit to sell the American breakfast so you can hunt them down if you're craving them.

In the US, you'll find a popular restaurant called Arby's. The restaurant doesn't have many franchises, but the EU has banned many of its products after discovering a harmful ingredient. The EU is concerned about azodicarbonamide which is known as ADA and can cause many health issues.

ADA is a chemical and is often found in foam and baked goods. Studies show a relation between ADA and gluten intolerance, asthma, and dermatitis which was enough for the EU to ban all goods such as croissants, sourdough, and french toast sticks made by Arby's.

We can only imagine the disappointment felt by Betty Crocker lovers around the world when a harmful ingredient was found in the box pasta of her range. Azodicarbonamide was found in the Betty Crocker pasta as it's usually used to make foods more colorful and soft.

The ingredient also makes products faster to cook so it may all sound good until you hear the side effects it may have on humans consuming it. The EU and Australia banned the boxed pasta with azodicarbonamide as it's believed to be extremely toxic.

The Tostitos salsa brand has been given a ban in countries such as Norway and Austria due to its false appearance. Many dull-looking products generally use an ingredient called Yellow five and Yellow six which makes them brighter and more appealing to the eye.

The product may do wonders for its appearance and sales, however, it has negative effects once consumed in large amounts. The dyes used are related to intolerance reactions and the EU has decided to ban the colorings containing tartrazine which Tostitos does.

Imagine our surprise when we discovered that a brand as popular as Kellogs is using a medicine called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to make their products last longer on the shelves. The medicine BHT is commonly used for cold sores and even herpes so, surprisingly, it's also used in food.

The American FDA declared the product safe for consumption regardless of the ingredients, but many countries still banned it. It's believed that the ingredient can be toxic for humans and the high amounts of sugar are not a good combination. Frosted Flakes were banned by Japan and many EU countries.

If you're a fan of Fresca, the citrus-flavored soda, you'll have to settle for something else when you visit the EU. Fresca has bromine, which is used in most carbonated drinks and prevents ingredients from separating. The downfall is bromine has a few negative side effects that are harmful when consumed and can cause internal tissue.

In Fresca, the bromine isn't as strong as pure bromine and many countries don't worry about it. The EU however, have banned it as they don't want to take the risk of possible effects such as triggering schizophrenia!

Remember back in the day, 80 years ago, when M&M's first came out and no one knew what they were? well now they're one of the most popular chocolate treats around! You can find a variety of M&Ms in over 100 countries but one place you won't find them is in Sweden.

Sweden has their own "M" chocolates, they're called M by Mondelez and they've been selling in Sweden since 1957! When the M&M logo came out and was so similar, Sweden banned them from being sold in their country.

In numerous places in the world, raw milk is sold more often than pasteurized. Raw milk has been found to have many benefits when it comes to probiotics and enzymes which are good for digestion and the immune system. You're probably wondering if it's so great and how is it on this list?

Just like many other food items, when eaten raw, there are slight chances of germs and illnesses such as salmonella and listeriosis. Countries such as Canada and the UK have banned raw milk entirely to avoid these illnesses.

If you live in the UK, marmite is no stranger to you. Children in the UK start having marmite on their sandwiches from a young age and they'll either love it or hate it. Let's face it, marmite has a very original taste and is not for everyone but it is filled with many vitamins and minerals.

Marmite is one of the UK food items that have been banned by Canada and Denmark as it's believed to have many negative additives. The main reason the sandwich spread has been banned is because of The Canadian Food Inspection Agency which decided against the enrichment of vitamins and minerals it contains.

The loved condiment, ketchup, can be found in nearly every home and restaurant in the world. Besides mustard and mayo, ketchup is a crowd favorite at any event, it pretty much goes with anything!

France is one of the countries that have decided to ban ketchup but it has nothing to do with its ingredients or taste. The reason France banned ketchup is that they believe it's taking the pure taste away from their French cuisine.

We're not surprised to see fugu on this list of banned foods. Not many foods have the potential to end your life just based on how they're prepared. If you don't know what we're talking about, fugu is a pufferfish dish that is popular for its reputation of being extremely toxic.

There are toxins in fugu that are more than 1,000 times more harmful than cyanide and yet there are still professional chefs preparing fugu somewhere right now. If you like to gamble your life you can go find yourself some fugu, just not in Europe or the United States because the dish is banned there.

Scotland has very few famous things. Right now we can name three and that's the Loch Ness monster, Sean Connery's accent, and this meal called haggis. Haggis is a traditionally made meal prepped by stuffing the liver, hearts, and lungs of sheep inside a sheep's stomach and then cooking it.

In 1971, the United States Department of Agriculture decided to ban the consumption of the lungs of livestock. Ultimately, the haggis made of sheep lungs falls under that category and was banned. This ban has been going strong for over 50 years!

These colorfully wrapped treats are called Penguin biscuits. They're made up of chocolate, biscuit, and whipped chocolate cream filling, what's not to love? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency knows something that we don't because they banned the chocolate treat in 2014.

Penguin biscuits are filled with enriched vitamins and minerals that are not good for you and therefore Canadian Food Inspection Agency wouldn't approve them. Only natural vitamins and minerals are allowed in the Great White North.

With a name like blood sausage, we're not surprised this food item is on this list. Blood sausage, traditionally known as black pudding is made using oatmeal and barley combined with fat and blood from cows or sheep.

This sausage has been prohibited in the United States because of hygiene issues. The sausage is made from blood and fat from an animal which has the US concerned that it's carrying diseases and is not clean enough. Even the FDA was suspicious about the amounts of fat in the dish.

Caviar is a delicacy that can only be tested by those with high fortune as it might break the bank. It will always be served at A-List events and the most famous kind is the beluga caviar. This type is referred to as the black gold of the culinary world.

In 2005, beluga caviar was added to the list of endangered animals and America jumped on board to prevent extinction by banning it completely. Hopefully, with less caviar being served for the rich and famous, a species can remain!

Have you ever heard of shark fin soup? it is a thing. You can get a bowl of it in most restaurants or on the streets of South East Asia and China. Surprisingly, the fin is only providing the texture but adds no flavor to the soup, and is just an addition to the special spices and herbs.

To keep up with the demand for shark fin soup, over 100,000,000 sharks are killed a year! This leads to overfishing and possible extinction which is the main reason many countries such as the United States have banned this dish.

People living in Japan and parts of Europe will sadly not have the privilege of going to the shop on a hot day and drinking a citrus mountain dew soft drink. You may wonder what could be so wrong with a cool drink, well apparently there's lots not to like about the drink.

Mountain dew is supposedly filled with chemicals that if consumed can be related to birth defects in children! Amongst this concern, the drink has also shown links to causing deafness and even psychological issues like schizophrenia.

The lactose-free powdered milk, coffee-mate, has been around since way back in the 1960s. People with a sensitivity to dairy became excited with their new alternative made of soybean compound but sadly the excitement wasn't the same all around the world.

People in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Hungary never had the chance to try this dairy alternative as their countries have banned the product. Coffee-mate was banned due to the cottonseed oils from the soybeans, they're high in trans-fats which may cause heart diseases.

Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and most of Europe have all called it quits on the famous breakfast Post-Honey Maid S'mores. Just like the Fruit Loops, this cereal item can't be found anywhere you visit.

Walking down the aisle of a shopping center you won't find S'mores in these countries because it was banned due to the harmful ingredient called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The belief is that BHT is related to causing cancer.