15 Disgusting Things That, Unfortunately, Enhance Our Dining Experience

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15 Disgusting Things That, Unfortunately, Enhance Our Dining Experience

Ah, the wonders of modern food production! From 70,000 bugs to beaver-scented perfume, it's no wonder we can find such a wide variety of ingredients in our everyday food. But have you ever stopped to consider just what's in your food? How about the secret ingredients that make up the flavor and texture of your favorite snacks?

From Kopi Luwak, the world's priciest coffee made from civet cat poop, to Salt Bae's signature salting technique, to the use of wood pulp in fast food, the food industry is full of strange and fascinating ingredients. And don't forget the use of fish swim bladders in beer, or the microbial citric acid used in place of lemons, or the beaver secretions in perfumes.

In this list, you'll find 15 of the strangest ingredients used in food production today. From pig skin in Jell-O to antifreeze in burgers, these ingredients may surprise you. But rest assured, they've been approved by the FDA and are generally safe to consume. So go ahead, indulge your curiosity and find out what's really in your food.

Meat: now 5x saltier than before!

CRACKED SALT WATER 30-90% of poultry, beef, and pork are injected with salt water, making them 5x saltier.

NPR / Britannica 

Gum: Chewier than an inner tube!

CRACKED SECRET RUBBER Most gum brands list gum base as an ingredient, which is a proprietary secret. It's made of polyisobutylene, or butyl rubber, like inner tubes. That's why gum is chewy.

Mashed 

Fiber, schmiber - just add wood!

CRACKED WOOD PULP Fast food companies are adding wood pulp to many items. It's in almost all fast food, like buns, cheeses, sauces, cakes, shakes, rolls, fries, onion rings, smoothies, and meats.

QZ / iStock 

Salt: Nusret's recipe for success.

CRACKED SALT BAE'S BIG GIMMICK Chef Nusret Gökçe's signature move of seasoning meat with a three-fingered pinch of salt is a showstopper. Theatrics? Yeah, too much. But the technique does ensure the meat is seasoned evenly.

Eater 

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