This is a common ingredient to replace vanilla.

Saw this one scrolling the "reels". Ran it through that video to text transcriber. I'll go ask google gemini AI what it thinks about this stuff.

scrolling instagram reels where they post stuff from people even though I'm not following them. If it was false, it would get removed by instagram. There's like coming up to 5000 comments too. So it would be taken down and they'd be sued by Quaker. This is the transcribing video to text, because I can't upload the video here.

And Castorium typically called natural flavor is taken from a beaver's anal gland.

It's far cheaper to use Castorium or beavers but to flavor strawberry oatmeal than using

actual strawberries.

They don't want you to know what's in that natural flavor either.

Just try to call the company and ask.

They'll tell you it's proprietary.

But there's nothing natural about the flavors they produce.

So avoid products with natural flavors.

That's crazy, right?

So listen, the thing about the natural flavor too man, it's been billions of dollars spent

on natural flavors.

It actually entices to want to keep eating more.

It's a chemical process they use to make natural flavors.

So when I learn it, that should be the weight gain.

So when I learn it, I just twist it out.

I go to the old fashioned regular quick roast man and I chop up some strawberries.

Some honey or some maple syrup to make it better.

And man, look, I lost 100 pounds.

This was me in 2014.

But I did it still eating the foods that I like.

I like oatmeal.

But when I made that switch, it helped me to lose weight man.

I lost weight eating bread, cookies, cakes, that's why I wrote life.

So what do you got, analyzing this.

That's quite a claim being made in the video! Let's break down the points raised:

Castoreum as "Natural Flavor": The video asserts that castoreum, a secretion from beaver anal glands, is used as a cheaper alternative to real strawberries for flavoring, particularly in strawberry oatmeal. It also claims this is often labeled as "natural flavor." Proprietary Information: The video suggests that companies won't disclose the specifics of their "natural flavors" because it's proprietary information. Chemical Process of "Natural Flavors": It's stated that "natural flavors" are created through a chemical process and are designed to make you want to eat more, contributing to weight gain. Anecdotal Evidence: The person in the video shares their personal experience of losing 100 pounds by switching to plain oatmeal with fresh strawberries and natural sweeteners, implying the "natural flavors" in processed oatmeal contributed to their previous weight. Quaker's Involvement: The video specifically mentions Quaker and suggests that if the claims were false, Quaker would have taken legal action due to the high number of comments on the Instagram Reel. Here's an analysis of these points:

Castoreum: While castoreum is a naturally occurring substance and has been used as a flavoring agent in the past (primarily for vanilla and raspberry notes), its current widespread use in food, especially something like strawberry oatmeal, is highly questionable. Regulations in many countries, including Canada and the United States, require specific labeling of ingredients. If castoreum were being used, it would likely need to be listed, though perhaps under a broader category if legally permissible. However, it's generally considered a very niche ingredient due to cost and availability. "Natural Flavor" Labeling: The term "natural flavor" is indeed broad. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) defines natural flavouring agents as "substances obtained from plant or animal sources... whose significant function in food is flavouring rather than nutritional." This definition does allow for complex mixtures derived from natural sources that undergo some processing. However, it doesn't inherently mean something as specific and potentially controversial as castoreum would be hidden under this label for a prominent flavor like strawberry. Proprietary Information: It is true that the specific formulations of flavorings (both natural and artificial) are often considered proprietary information to protect a company's unique blends. However, this doesn't mean companies can intentionally mislead consumers about the fundamental nature or source of an ingredient if it poses a health or ethical concern. Chemical Processes: All food production involves chemical processes to some extent. Even extracting flavor compounds from natural sources involves chemistry. The idea that "natural flavors" are inherently designed to promote overeating is a significant claim that would require strong scientific evidence. While some flavor enhancers can increase palatability, attributing weight gain solely to "natural flavors" is an oversimplification of the complex factors involved in weight management. Anecdotal Evidence: Personal experiences can be powerful, but they don't establish a universal cause-and-effect relationship. The individual in the video may have lost weight due to various factors related to their dietary changes, not solely the elimination of "natural flavors." Switching from processed oatmeal to a less processed version with fresh fruit and controlled sweeteners would likely reduce overall sugar and potentially other additives, which could contribute to weight loss. Social Media Validation: The high number of comments on an Instagram Reel, while indicating engagement, doesn't automatically validate the accuracy of the information presented. Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for misinformation, and the lack of immediate takedown or legal action doesn't definitively prove the claims are true. Companies might choose not to engage with every piece of online content, especially if it's part of a larger wave of similar claims. Legal action is also a significant undertaking and might not be pursued unless the damage to reputation and sales warrants it. In conclusion, while the video raises some interesting points about the ambiguity of the term "natural flavor," the specific claim about castoreum being a common ingredient in strawberry oatmeal and hidden under this label seems highly improbable given current food regulations and common industry practices. The idea that "natural flavors" are deliberately engineered for overconsumption also lacks strong scientific backing. The anecdotal weight loss experience is interesting but should be viewed within the context of broader dietary changes.

It would be prudent to seek information from reliable sources like food science organizations, regulatory bodies (like the CFIA or FDA), and the companies themselves if you want to get a more evidence-based understanding of the ingredients in your food.

is this "Castoreum" thing real.. where they extract it from beavers?

Yes, the "Castoreum" thing is real. Castoreum is a yellowish, oily secretion produced by the castor sacs of beavers (both male and female). These sacs are located between the pelvis and the base of the tail, near the anal glands.  

Beavers use castoreum, often mixed with urine, to scent-mark their territories. It has a strong, musky odor.  

Historically, castoreum has been used by humans for various purposes:  

Perfumery: It's valued in perfumery for its leathery, smoky, and sometimes sweet notes, acting as a fixative.   Food Flavoring: Historically, extracts from castoreum were used as a natural flavoring agent, particularly for vanilla, raspberry, and strawberry notes. The FDA in the United States lists castoreum extract as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS). It could be listed under the broad term "natural flavorings" on ingredient labels.   Traditional Medicine: In the past, it was also used in some traditional medicines.   However, its use in food today is reported to be very low due to the labor-intensive extraction process (which can involve anesthetizing beavers to "milk" their glands or harvesting from deceased animals) and the availability of cheaper synthetic alternatives like vanillin. The annual industrial consumption of castoreum for food flavoring is estimated to be quite small compared to synthetic flavorings.  

So, while castoreum is a real substance extracted from beavers and has been used in food historically, it's unlikely to be a common ingredient in most modern food products, especially not as a cheap alternative to real strawberries as suggested in the video. Its primary modern use is now in niche perfumery.  

I guess if they test stuff on bunnies.. these guys could be having beavers in cages.. and sounds like they do

That's a valid concern based on the information about castoreum. If substances from animals are being used in flavorings, the thought of how those animals are treated naturally comes to mind.

Regarding beavers and castoreum extraction:

Extraction is Labor-Intensive: As mentioned before, extracting castoreum is not a simple process. It typically involves either "milking" the glands of live, anesthetized beavers or removing the sacs from deceased animals. Both methods suggest a degree of human intervention with the animals. No Large-Scale "Beaver Farms" for Castoreum: Unlike animals farmed for meat or fur, there isn't evidence of widespread "beaver farming" specifically for castoreum production. The demand for castoreum in the food industry is very low, making such an operation unlikely to be economically viable. Historically, beavers were trapped primarily for their fur, and castoreum was a secondary product. Ethical Considerations: The methods of obtaining castoreum, especially from live animals, raise ethical questions about animal welfare. Anesthetizing and handling wild animals can be stressful for them. Trapping, if not done humanely, can also cause suffering. Focus on Wild Populations: Most castoreum is likely sourced from wild beaver populations that are either legally trapped for fur or considered "nuisance" animals in certain areas. Connecting to animal testing:

You're right to draw a parallel to animal testing. If there's a demand for animal-derived ingredients, there's a possibility that animals could be kept in captivity for that purpose. However, in the case of castoreum, the limited demand and the nature of beaver behavior (they are territorial and not easily domesticated in large numbers) make extensive "farming" seem improbable.

Transparency and Labeling:

The broader issue of "natural flavors" and the lack of specific ingredient disclosure does create a space for concern about what we are actually consuming and how those ingredients are sourced. Increased transparency in labeling would certainly help consumers make more informed choices and potentially shed light on the ethical implications of using animal-derived ingredients.

In summary, while large-scale beaver farms for castoreum are unlikely, the extraction process from wild beavers, whether live or deceased, does involve human intervention and raises ethical considerations about animal welfare. The lack of specific labeling for "natural flavors" contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the sources of these ingredients.

I normally just try to stay away from these huge food companies and buy from lesser known companies who have a vetted rep of providing natural food.