Pistachios have become a popular snack, thanks to social media and the viral Dubai chocolate bar. These vibrant green nuts typically have an earthy, sweet flavor. Some reports rank them as the No. 1 snack nut in the U.S. However, there may be the occasional nut that appears and tastes different from the rest of the bunch.
And according to Midwestern TikTok creator and mother of three, Alexa Daniels (@alexasdanielsmomma), there’s a reason for that. Her explanation has ruined pistachios for some viewers.
Why Do Your Pistachios Taste Like That?
The 10-clip features the content creator standing in her kitchen. “I don’t know if you know this or not,” she says, picking up a plastic container of pistachios. “But did you know that when you’re eating pistachios, and every once in a while, you get that pistachio that tastes a little off?”
Then, she puts the container down, scrunching her face in disgust. “That actually means you’re eating a bug,” Daniels states.
In the caption, Daniels teases, “I’m joking!!!!! Or am I???”
Viewers Are Horrified
The video amassed 1.6 million views. Viewers took the claims at face value and were successfully repulsed. Some even swore pistachios off for good.
“You just killed pistachios for me,” the top comment with more than 25,000 likes wrote.
“And just like that I’m never eating pistachios again,” a second remarked.
“You’re joking right? Right??” another asked, aghast.
“Just threw my bag away, thank you for your service,” a fourth said.
“I did not know! but now I know for sure i have eaten bugs! ruined my current fixation for pistachios,” a fifth commented.
@alexasdanielsmomma I’m joking!!!!! Or am I???
Are There Actually Bugs In Pistachios?
A burnt- or sour-tasting pistachio may be due to navel orangeworm larvae, according to Delish. But despite its name, the navel orangeworm isn’t a worm; it’s a moth.
These bugs are mainly found on fruit plants but are notorious for plaguing nut trees by laying their eggs in any openings or crevices. However, the odds of finding a critter in your treat are low since food processing has significantly improved over time. Moreover, you are more likely to discover them in raw pistachios than in roasted ones.
There are potential health risks if you consume a nut that has been damaged by an insect. The damage may remove the pistachio’s barrier, making it open to bacteria and fungus growth, according to award-winning entomologist Dr. Tracy Ellis from FarmSense, per Delish.
While this can simply result in an upset stomach, you should seek medical attention if you have any other adverse reactions.
To prevent the risk of eating a bad nut, you can place your bag of pistachios in the freezer or examine them before consuming and discard any abnormal ones.
BroBible reached out to Daniels via email and TikTok comment.