You think you’re eating strawberry? Think again. Many “strawberry” ice creams contain no actual fruit.
They use castoreum. That’s a gooey secretion from beaver butts. Yes, really. It tastes like raspberry, strawberry, and vanilla.
Don’t panic. It’s FDA-approved and used in tiny amounts. But next time you lick a pink cone? You’re licking beaver behind. You’re welcome.
Real vanilla is from orchids. It’s the second most expensive spice in the world (after saffron). Most cheap ice creams use synthetic vanillin, made from wood pulp or petroleum.
Chocolate: The Complicated One
Real chocolate ice cream uses cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Anything else is just brown sugar milk.
Look for “chocolate” vs. “chocolate flavored” on the label. The difference is about 10% more happiness.
