frc - Food Reality Check

Mycoprotein (Quorn): Fungus-Based Protein Safety & Nutrition

Mycoprotein (brand name Quorn) is protein derived from Fusarium venenatum fungus, produced through fermentation. Understanding its production, nutritional profile, and safety concerns reveals why it's an alternative protein source with…

Novel Products

Why Plant-Based Meat Doesn’t Taste Like Meat: Flavor Chemistry Explained

Plant-based meat's flavor profile differs from animal meat due to fundamentally different chemistry. Meat's umami/savory flavors come from creatine, carnosine, and amino acid degradation during cooking. Plant proteins lack these…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E200? – Complete guide to understanding Sorbic Acid in your food

What is E200? Complete guide to understanding E200 (Sorbic Acid) in your food The Quick Answer E200 is sorbic acid—a chemically-synthesized preservative that inhibits growth of molds, yeasts, and some…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E220? – Complete guide to understanding Sulfur Dioxide in your food

What is E220? Complete guide to understanding E220 (Sulfur Dioxide) in your food The Quick Answer E220 is sulfur dioxide (SO₂)—a colorless, pungent-smelling gas used as a preservative and antioxidant…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E142? – Complete guide to understanding Green S in your food

What is E142? Complete guide to understanding E142 (Green S) in your food The Quick Answer E142 is a synthetic green food dye. It's used in food to give products…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E244? – Complete guide to understanding chitosan in your food

What is E244? Complete guide to understanding chitosan in your food ⚠️ IMPORTANT ALLERGEN WARNING: E244 (chitosan) is derived from crustacean shells (shrimp, crabs, lobsters). If you are allergic to…

E-Numbers & Additives

Can Chocolate Go Moldy? Mold Risk in Cocoa Products

Pure chocolate rarely develops visible mold due to low water content, but mold can contaminate cocoa beans during fermentation/storage, and chocolate products with higher moisture content (fillings, added ingredients) are…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E461? – Complete guide to understanding methyl cellulose in your food

What is E461? Complete guide to understanding methyl cellulose in your food The Quick Answer E461 is methyl cellulose, a plant-based thickener and stabilizer derived from cellulose. It's used to…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E462? – Complete guide to understanding ethyl cellulose in your food

What is E462? Complete guide to understanding ethyl cellulose in your food The Quick Answer E462 is ethyl cellulose, a plant-based thickener and stabilizer derived from cellulose. It's used to…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E463? – Complete guide to understanding hydroxypropyl cellulose in your food

What is E463? Complete guide to understanding hydroxypropyl cellulose in your food The Quick Answer E463 is hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), a plant-based thickener and stabilizer derived from cellulose. It's used…