Jul 25, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
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Did you know the wasabi you had with your sushi last night was likely fake? You're not alone! Fake food is more common than you might think and has been for years. Discover the truth as we reveal the top 10 most counterfeited foods around the globe.
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The availability of fake asafoetida hing is probably as common as its misspelling. Known for its pungency, this spice is imported to India and mixed with cornstarch amongst other substances to deceive consumers.
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Saffron is another highly prized spice often subjected to adulteration. Fake saffron can be made from dyed corn silk, turmeric, or even synthetic materials.
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If the label doesn’t say Parmigiano Reggiano, it isn’t real Parmesan. Parmigiano Reggiano, protected by a GI tag, is made exclusively in Parma and Reggio Emilia in Italy.
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One of the most expensive ingredients in the world, Caviar is counterfeited using low quality fish roe, which is then dyed to resemble the real thing.
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Once upon a time in Europe, black pepper was so valuable that it was often used as collateral or even currency! In the present day, it is counterfeited using papaya seeds.
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Most of what's sold as wasabi is actually a mix of horseradish, mustard, starch, and green food colouring. This means that most people who think they’ve had wasabi might have never tasted it.
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The majority of what is sold as truffle oil contains no real truffle at all. Instead, synthetic compounds are used to mimic the taste and smell of truffles to deceive consumers.
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Frequently adulterated with cheaper oils like sunflower or soybean oil, even the bottles of olive oil labelled as "extra virgin" may not have the real deal.
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Commonly drizzled over pancakes, true maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. Authentic maple syrup comes with a hefty price tag, so the market is flooded with fake maple syrup products.
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Love that vanilla kick in your desserts? You might be getting duped! Many products use synthetic vanillin—made from wood or chemicals—while the real vanilla flavour comes from actual vanilla beans and packs a rich, authentic punch.
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