SciShow Explains the Purpose of the ‘Do Not Eat’ Packets That Ship in Packaged Foods

SciShow (previously) host Michael Aranda gets to the bottom of the “do not eat” packets that often ship inside of food packages and pill bottles. Inside the packets are desiccant silica gel balls that absorb moisture that could otherwise damage the product.

If you’re wondering why you shouldn’t eat it, it’s because it’s not food. It’s like high-tech sand. Why would you want to eat that?