Hints From Heloise: What are ‘artificial’ ingredients?

Dear Heloise: I have a recipe for some cookies that are made with a raspberry muffin mix. This particular mix contains artificial raspberries, per the list of ingredients. What are they, and are they safe to eat? This “artificial” ingredient has kept me from making them. — Anni, via email Anni, when you see “artificial raspberries” listed as an ingredient in a commercial muffin mix, it generally refers to a food-grade flavoring or a fruit-mimicking ingredient that’s designed to provide the taste of raspberries without using the actual fruit. These synthetic chemical compounds mimic the texture, taste and smell of the real fruit. They’re approved for use in food products, so they’re safe to eat. But I certainly understand the preference for using real fruit. If you’d like to make the recipe without them, you can always substitute the ingredient with fresh or frozen berries for a more natural option.

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