Insider
- Fraudulent foods cost legitimate producers and pose a risk to consumers, to the tune of $40 billion.
- Some highly prized products – like honey or caviar – are too rare or expensive to meet global demand.
- Here's how criminals and legitimate companies alike make big bucks selling less expensive substitutes.
When it comes to the flavors that define modern cuisine, not everything is exactly as it seems.
Whether it's the truffle oil on your french fries, the vanilla in your ice cream, or the wasabi on your sushi, the genuine ingredients are often far too rare – or expensive – to meet global demand.