Activated Charcoal Trend
Charcoal-infused foods (black ice cream, lattes, pizza, bagels) using activated charcoal became 2017-2018’s Instagram trend via gothic aesthetic appeal and “detox” health claims. The FDA later warned against the unproven practice.
Products: Black ice cream (Morgenstern’s NYC), charcoal latte, black pizza, goth bagels, black lemonade
Appeal: Striking black color (Instagram standout), “detox” marketing, novelty, goth aesthetic
Health claims: Activated charcoal supposedly detoxifies, whitens teeth, improves skin
Medical reality: Activated charcoal used in hospitals for poisoning/overdoses; no evidence food-grade amounts provide benefits
FDA warning (2018): Can interfere with medication absorption (birth control, antidepressants), cause constipation, no proven benefits
Dental concerns: Abrasive to teeth despite whitening claims
Banned: NYC Health Department banned (2018) due to safety concerns; restaurants removed from menus
Aesthetic over function: Pure Instagram play; tasted like regular food but black
Charcoal food represented dangerous intersection of Instagram aesthetics, wellness pseudoscience, and regulatory lag.