18 Foods With Activated Charcoal: What Does It Do?

Black food isn’t the most appealing thing on earth, but it sure does beg for attention —  in a moody teenager sort of way. These days, people are adding activated charcoal to their foods to give it a dark tint. Not the kind of charcoal you barbecue with, but the kind that’s full of carbon made from organic materials, which flushes toxins from the body. The health food has quickly risen to great heights for the same reason most foods gain popularity these days: it scores high on the Instagrammability chart. What else matters, really?

Despite its deathly looks, activated charcoal is safe. It’s sort of like swallowing a bunch of little sponges that soak up toxins, which can be both bad and good. Good because it can treat those who have overdosed on drugs. It also reduces bloating and cholesterol levels. But for these very same absorbent reasons, it’s not the best thing to consume all day, as it can easily flush out essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Also, it has a super mild, almost tasteless flavor, so it’s easy to add to anything you consume.

Here are 18 ways people have slipped this detox du jour into food and drink.

Latte

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDagyZlFHA

Pizza

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDbtDMl4b1/

Ice Cream

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVE22R4n7Hq

Frozen Yogurt

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU6hiEdlmsM

Waffle Cone

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7nyT7B_5K/

Juice

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUmFqhRjx1M

Toast

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKKk-zZgL25

Milkshakes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU_0KVUDLr9

Fish & Chips

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU_cv2-g4y3

Chia Pudding

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-8on9jUqH

Lemonade

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU_czRqldFf

Burger Buns

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQxDyNjAMGG

Breakfast Bowls

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU4pM2dFa1y

Crepes 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU6Om26BXB9/

Waffles

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-VFDrjQa4

Sourdough Bread

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU9bXXzFMyB

Porridge

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7sES9l5YG

Pancakes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7MRXCgBk0