#403: What’s REALLY In Your Food? | Dark Secrets of Ultra-Pasteurized Milk, Natural Flavors & Microplastics EXPOSED With Ben Katz
Today, I’m joined by Ben Katz—better known online as Mr. Mass Spec —an academic analytical chemist from UC Irvine whose mission is to uncover what’s really in our everyday foods, drinks, and products. Ben reverse engineers everything from Taco Bell meat to Doritos, and sometimes even entire industries, using cutting-edge mass spectrometry. His curiosity and expertise have made him a go-to source for those wanting to know what’s hiding behind vague ingredient labels and “natural flavors.”
In our conversation, Ben reveals the unexpected truth about synthetic vs. plant-derived ingredients, why “natural flavors” and food additives can legally hide a surprising array of compounds, and how ultra-pasteurized milk is chemically tweaked to taste “normal” again. We dive into the realities of transparency in the food industry, the loopholes manufacturers use, and how everyday choices—like the plastic bags at your local store—can have hidden effects on your health.
If you’re ready to discover what’s really in your food, drinks, supplements, and even your household products, this episode is packed with eye-opening science, practical tips, and the tools to become your own health detective.
Learn more from Ben Katz below:
Podcast: Mass Spec Everything Pod • A podcast on Spotify for Creators
Instagram: @massspeceverything
What We Discuss:
Welcome and podcast introduction ... 00:00:00
What is mass spectrometry? ... 00:05:00
Viral "what’s in it?" projects and public interest ... 00:07:27
Synthetic vs. plant-derived nicotine and toxins in plant extracts ... 00:09:53
Food label transparency and loopholes (natural flavors, FEMA, GRAS) ... 00:20:11
Sweeteners & artificial additives: sucralose, stevia, cost motivations ... 00:23:07
Ultra pasteurization of milk and added flavors ... 00:29:48
Chocolate, caffeine content, and labeling challenges ... 00:33:12
Industrial food processes, GMOs, and food security insights ... 00:38:36
Microplastics: occurrence, regulation, and PEG in food ... 00:50:15
Supplements under development for microplastic removal ... 00:58:43
Adulteration in olive oil, maple syrup, and honey ... 01:04:08
Hidden sweeteners, and processed food pitfalls ... 01:10:14
Avoid artificial sweeteners, problematic plastics, and hidden flavors ... 01:14:36
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