Many people in industrialized nations consume what can only be described as “trash.” This is not an exaggeration. There are actual waste and waste-like materials, disguised as food, in many processed and ultra-processed products.

Here are just a few examples:

Whey Protein. Waste byproduct of cheese-making. Found in protein bars, sports drinks, meal replacements, etc.

Whey Protein Isolate. Basically whey protein that has undergone further chemical processing. Found in protein powders, protein bars, meal replacements, etc.

Soy Protein Isolate. Chemically treated waste byproduct of soy oil production (made from defatted soy flakes). Found in protein bars, processed meats, and plant-based meat substitutes.

Fish Protein Hydrolysate. Chemically-treated waste parts of fish (heads, tails, bones, etc.). Found in nutritional supplements (as flavor enhancers).

Mechanically Separated Meat. Waste material of butchering (bits of leftover meat, bones, and cartilage forced through a grinder to extract remaining “edible” parts). Found in processed meats (hot dogs, chicken nuggets, sausages, etc.).

Lecithin (Soy/Sunflower Lecithin). Chemically-treated waste material from soybean/sunflower oil extraction. Found in chocolate, margarine, and baked goods (as an emulsifier).

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP). Chemically-treated waste byproduct of soy oil production. Found in plant-based meat substitutes, processed meat products, ready-made meals, etc.

Gelatin. Chemically-treated waste byproduct of meat processing (collagen from the skin, bones, and connective tissue of dead animals). Found in gummy candies, marshmallows, and some dairy products (as a gelling agent).

Palm Oil Derivatives. Chemically-treated byproduct material from refining crude palm oil. Used in margarine, cookies, and baked goods (to enhance texture and shelf life).

Fish Protein Hydrolysate. Chemically-treated waste parts of fish (heads, tails, bones, etc.). Found in nutritional supplements (added to enhance flavor).

Maltodextrin. Chemically-treated byproduct of corn, rice, and potato starch processing. Used in snacks, sauces, and sports drinks (added as a thickener, filler, or preservative).

Artificial Colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5). Chemically-synthesized substances made from petroleum refining byproducts. Found in candies, soft drinks, and snack foods (as dyes).

It is not difficult to avoid putting trash in your body. Simply choose whole foods instead of processed or ultra-processed options. Eat what naturally comes from the earth, rather than what is created by humans in a lab or factory.