New Food Trend: Say Hello to Fried Toothpicks!

What could be the driving force behind the TikTok community’s embrace of the latest food craze involving indulging in deep-fried toothpicks? It’s essential to note that these toothpicks deviate from conventional wooden ones, as they are meticulously fashioned from eco-friendly materials such as sweet potato starch or corn starch. To add a playful touch, they are adorned with a vibrant green hue through the use of food coloring. However, it’s crucial to recognize that despite their unconventional composition, indulging in these deep-fried toothpicks does not equate to a safe culinary endeavor.

In South Korea, TikTokers have taken to the trend of deep-frying environmentally friendly green toothpicks in hot oil, capturing the mesmerizing process as they twist and expand. To complete this unconventional culinary experience, they top off the toothpicks with powdered cheese or various seasonings before devouring them. However, it’s important to emphasize that this is unequivocally a do-not-try-this-at-home scenario. If you find yourself yearning for a crispy and fried snack, opting for traditional chips might be the safer and more sensible choice.

Health authorities in South Korea issued a statement urging individuals to refrain from asserting, “This is not meant for consumption. Its safety has not been validated.”

Oh, you didn’t know: During the 17th century, toothpicks designated for the upper classes were esteemed to the extent that they were crafted from materials like gold, silver, or ivory, and some were intricately adorned with precious stones. Notably, the state of Maine in the United States has emerged as the primary hub for toothpick production. Approximately 90% of the country’s toothpicks are estimated to be manufactured in this state.