One of my guilty pleasures is food trivia so I love learning unique food facts and sharing them with others. Food is such a prominent part of our everyday lives and our culture that I figure it never hurts to know as much as possible, right? Plus, you might learn a thing or two about the foods you’re eating, where they come from, and perhaps learn that you might not need to be eating them after all. Or, in other cases, some of these unique food facts are downright shocking and make for excellent conversation starters at the dinner table, or not, depending on what fact you’re sharing, obviously. Check out some of these unique food facts. Many of them will probably surprise you and a few just might inspire you!
1. Bacos Are Vegan
Most people find this to be one of the most unique food facts of all: Betty Crocker’s Baco’s bacon bits are actually vegan and contain no animal products whatsoever. What they do have is soy protein, salt, and added flavor - who knew, right? Not all bacon condiments are vegan though so read up on brand labels to see which ones are if it’s a concern.
2. Spinach Has More Calcium than Milk
A ½ cup of spinach has 115 milligrams of calcium, which is three times the amount of what you’d get in a 8 ounce glass of milk. Skip the cow and head straight for the spinach. Popeye must have known what he was doing, don’t ya think?
3. Apples and Roses
Apples are actually in the same family of plants as roses. So are pears and plums - who knew? No wonder apples are one of America’s most loved fruits!
4. Peas on Pizza
In Brazil you won’t find pepperoni pizza but you will find plenty of pea pizza. Green peas are one of the most popular pizza toppings of this exotic country. Odd? Yes, but at least they’re healthy, right?
5. Skittles Contain Beetles
The red food coloring used in Skittles and any other fake food uses a food dye known as carmine, which comes from beetles. Try eating the rainbow from fruits and veggies, not artificially-colored critter candy!
6. Mixed Meat
One fast food hamburger can contain meat from up to 100 different cows due to mass production in the meat industry. Um, thanks but no thanks!
7. Waxed Fruit
Fruit flavored snacks often contain a waxed coating that’s the same kind used for car wax. Skip the flavored options and eat fresh fruit instead.
8. Fruit Loop Cereal Isn’t Flavored
Despite all their fancy colors, every single color of Fruit Loop cereal taste the same. I guess not even fun colors can make sugary cereal taste too unique, huh?
9. Peanuts Aren’t Nuts
Peanuts are actually legumes and grow in pods in the ground. So do cashews, which are also a legume, not a nut. Cashews and peanuts are grouped as nuts since their nutritional profile is similar to nuts (which actually grow on trees, not pods in the ground).
10. German Cake Imposter
Despite the name, German Chocolate Cake has nothing to do with Germany. The man who created the cake was named Sam German. No matter who named it, I think it’s safe to say it’s delicious either way.
11. Sunkist Lemons Aren’t Really Yellow
Despite their gorgeous color and tasty flavor, Sunkist lemons are actually picked before they turn yellow and are still green. They’re then processed in a lab that coats them with a yellow spray. Want the real deal? Buy organic!
If you have any unique food facts to share, feel free to fill me in! What's the strangest food fact you've ever heard?
Sources: buzzfeed.com, peta.org, buzzfeed.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are superfoods and why should I eat them?
- Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that offer health benefits; including them supports overall wellness and energy.
- How does hydration impact my skin?
- Drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated, glowing, and helps flush out toxins for a clearer complexion.
- Are carbs bad for weight loss?
- Not all carbs are bad; whole grains and fruits provide essential energy and fiber that aid digestion and weight management.
- Why should I include antioxidants in my diet?
- Antioxidants protect your cells from damage and can help reduce signs of aging and inflammation.
- Can eating certain foods boost my mood?
- Yes, foods rich in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, like salmon and nuts, can improve brain health and mood.
- How important is breakfast for a healthy day?
- Breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and provides the energy needed to stay focused and active throughout the morning.
- What role do fiber-rich foods play in health?
- Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy, controls blood sugar levels, and supports weight management.
- Is it necessary to avoid all fats for a healthy diet?
- No, healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil are essential for hormone balance and brain health.
- How can I reduce sugar intake without losing taste?
- Swap sugary snacks for naturally sweet fruits or use spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor without extra sugar.
- Why should I be mindful of portion sizes?
- Controlling portions helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents overeating without sacrificing nutrition.