Buzz
Culinary fads rise and fall based on public demand. As consumers seek healthier options, the market responds with choices that appear nutritious. When the desire for reduced fat or sugar arises, the food industry adapts accordingly. Yet, in our quest to indulge without consequence, we embrace increasingly bizarre trends, many of which are far from beneficial.
9. The 1939 Goldfish Swallowing Trend in American Colleges
If an older generation criticizes modern fads, remind them of the 1939 craze where college students swallowed live goldfish to showcase their bravado. It began with a Harvard student consuming a single goldfish, sparking a nationwide trend. Soon, students across the country competed, with one individual claiming to have swallowed 101 goldfish in one go.
Although the trend spread rapidly, it faded just as quickly. Swallowing live goldfish was far from enjoyable. Participants often seasoned them with salt and pepper or used milk or mashed potatoes to ease the process. The sensation of scales sliding down the throat was particularly unpleasant.
Beyond opposition from animal rights activists and legislative attempts to outlaw it, the goldfish swallowing trend posed serious health risks. Medical professionals cautioned against it, citing dangers like tapeworms and anemia. These factors contributed to its status as one of the briefest college crazes in history.
9. Marijuana and Delta 8 Edibles Designed to Resemble Candy
As recreational marijuana gains popularity and legal acceptance across the U.S., many newcomers are hesitant to smoke it. This has led to a surge in demand for edible forms of cannabis. Additionally, Delta 8 THC, a legal compound offering a comparable high, has also seen a rise in use.
While opting for edibles over smoking may seem healthier, the candy-like appearance of many products poses a risk to children. Compounding the issue is the inconsistent regulation of these items across different states.
This trend has already led to alarming consequences, with a growing number of children hospitalized after accidentally consuming marijuana edibles. Tragically, one child died from Delta 8 edibles, and in Las Vegas, a toddler nearly lost their life after ingesting Delta 9 edibles.
8. Cannibal Sandwiches and Homemade Steak Tartare Pose Health Risks
Steak tartare, a dish primarily made of raw beef and often garnished with a raw egg yolk, is a staple in upscale restaurants. While foodborne illnesses can occur even in these establishments, they are less common due to strict safety protocols and expert preparation. However, at home, most individuals lack the necessary expertise and access to high-quality beef, making it risky to prepare.
When making steak tartare, avoid using ground beef due to the high risk of contamination. Instead, opt for premium cuts of meat and grind them just before serving in a completely sterile environment—something most home kitchens cannot guarantee.
The “cannibal sandwich,” a Wisconsin holiday tradition, is even riskier. It consists of pre-ground beef mixed with spices and consumed raw. Health authorities strongly advise against eating it raw, recommending it be cooked thoroughly or avoided entirely.
7. The Unicorn Trend Even Overwhelmed Starbucks Staff
A few years ago, the unicorn trend exploded, fueled by social media and cultural influences. Suddenly, pastel-colored unicorn-themed products were everywhere, dominating Instagram feeds and captivating audiences, particularly young girls. While many viewed it as harmless fun, the trend had its downsides when taken to extremes.
The trend quickly became overwhelming, extending beyond mere novelty. Some enthusiasts embraced it as a lifestyle, forming communities that eventually burned out. However, the most significant impact was on service industry workers, who faced immense pressure and stress catering to the trend's demands.
At its peak, Starbucks introduced the unicorn frappuccino, a colorful, flavor-changing drink that was notoriously difficult to prepare. A barista's viral video highlighted the chaos, showcasing the mess and frustration involved. Fortunately, Starbucks acknowledged the issue and didn't penalize the employee for speaking out.
6. The Bacon Obsession: Overhyped, Costly, and Unhealthy
During the early 2010s, bacon became an American obsession, appearing in every imaginable dish, from bacon sundaes with maple syrup to non-food items. Its overuse in inappropriate contexts highlighted the trend's excesses.
Bacon found its way into unexpected products like flavored lollipops, scented soaps, and even deodorants. At the height of the craze, rumors of an impending bacon shortage caused widespread concern, though they were later debunked.
Like many trends, the bacon fad had a short lifespan. Over time, the novelty wore off, and adding bacon to everything became seen as a desperate attempt by restaurants to stay relevant rather than innovative.
As the trend faded, the quirky bacon-themed products also disappeared. Despite this, bacon consumption remained high, even with rising prices. While Americans grew tired of the memes, their love for bacon itself endured.
5. Excessive Carrot Juice or Sunny Delight Can Cause Skin Discoloration
A popular trend among health enthusiasts is turning fruits and vegetables into blended juices, believed to boost immunity and provide antioxidants. Carrot juice, in particular, is favored for its perceived benefits to eyesight and high vitamin content.
Juicing often leads people to focus excessively on one or two favorite juices, which can result in more than just nutritional imbalances. Carrot juice, for instance, has the unusual side effect of turning your skin orange—a look most people would rather avoid, as it resembles an Oompa Loompa.
This discoloration isn’t limited to carrot juice; any product high in beta carotene can cause it. A UK parent discovered this when her daughter drank 1.5 liters of Sunny Delight daily, leading to orange-tinted skin. Thankfully, the condition is temporary, fading within months, and poses no additional health risks.
4. The Olestra Fiasco Showed That Compromises Aren’t Always Possible
During the 1990s, particularly in the U.S., there was a strong demand for fat-free, low-calorie, and zero-calorie snacks. To meet this trend, Proctor and Gamble introduced Olean, better known as Olestra, which gained approval in 1996.
Initially, Olestra seemed revolutionary. It offered the taste and texture of fat without the associated health risks, making it a popular addition to snacks like Pringles and Fritos. Many consumers eagerly embraced this so-called miracle fat substitute.
It soon became evident that the warning labels on these products weren’t just bureaucratic overcaution. The reality is that you can’t enjoy the benefits of fat without consequences. For a fat substitute to be truly calorie-free, your body must not digest it, which is exactly what occurred.
Olestra caused unpleasant side effects like loose stools and oily bowel movements. Although strict labeling requirements were lifted in 2003, this was largely because the additive had fallen out of favor. Shortly after, the fat-free food trend faded into obscurity.
3. The Keto Diet: A Fat-Burning Trend Originally Designed for Severe Epilepsy
The Keto Diet has gained recent popularity as a quick fat-loss solution, but its original purpose was entirely different. It was developed as a medical diet for children with epilepsy, particularly when traditional medications posed significant risks. Today, with safer treatments available, its medical use has declined.
The Keto Diet works by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while emphasizing fats and moderate protein, pushing the body into ketosis. In this state, fat is burned for energy instead of sugar. While many view this as a weight-loss miracle, it carries substantial health risks.
As mentioned earlier, the Keto Diet was designed for a specific medical purpose and intended as a last resort. Its long-term effects remain unclear, but we now know it can cause short-term issues like constipation, low blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, increased heart disease risk, elevated LDL cholesterol, kidney stones, brain fog, confusion, mood swings, and irritability.
2. Activated Charcoal Faced Issues as a Trendy Food Additive
A few years before the pandemic, activated charcoal became a major trend. Black-colored foods and drinks were everywhere, with some believing it was a safe and stylish way to enjoy meals. Others even claimed it offered health benefits, such as preventing or curing hangovers.
However, its popularity waned as people became aware of the risks. A significant issue is its ability to absorb medications, rendering them ineffective. While this property can be beneficial in medical settings for treating certain poisonings, it’s often unsuitable for everyday use.
At home, activated charcoal can cause severe constipation and, in extreme cases, bowel blockages or perforations. Despite claims of health benefits, there’s little evidence supporting its therapeutic use outside medical contexts, and it doesn’t prevent or cure hangovers.
1. Preworkouts: Unnecessary and Potentially Hazardous
Recently, preworkout supplements have surged in popularity, especially among fitness enthusiasts. These products, often marketed as essential for bodybuilding, are being used by underage teens seeking rapid muscle gains, despite clear warnings against their use.
While preworkouts can offer benefits when used correctly and in moderation, they are far from essential and come with significant risks. Many contain compounds that may aid performance, but their unnecessary nature and potential dangers make them a questionable choice.
One major issue is the lack of standardized ingredient amounts in preworkout formulas, leading to inconsistent and unpredictable results. The poorly regulated supplement market further complicates matters, as products may not even contain what’s listed on the label. Overconsumption can easily lead to caffeine overdose, especially with homemade mixes.
A tragic example is a man from Liverpool who died after failing to properly measure his caffeine intake. Even more alarming is the dry scooping trend on TikTok, which has led to near-fatal caffeine overdoses, as one teen influencer discovered after suffering a heart attack.
