RIP goth cuisine, NYC bans activated charcoal in food and drinks
Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to have to find a new summer fix when it comes to treats as dark as our souls. That’s right, New York City has now banned the use of activated charcoal in food and drinks.
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That means no more goth lemonade, goth wine, goth lattes, or goth ice cream, as activated charcoal is the base ingredient causing the coloration we know and love.
We’re only crying a little…okay, a lot.
Though activated charcoal was first thought to be good for the body, with the ingredient being added to waters and juices for detox, the Department of Health (DOH) has come to bring it down.
According to Eater, the DOH says restaurants “aren’t allowed to serve food with activated charcoal in it because it’s prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive or food coloring agent.”
Popular cafes serving the black treats have been hit hard by the unforeseen law, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream and Round K (Matte Black Latte) both forced to have their coconut ash, a type of activated charcoal, dumped or confiscated.
Luckily Round K was able to bounce back quite quickly, introducing the “Matte Black 2,” which replaces the charcoal with coffee beans roasted until blackened.
Luckily, activated charcoal has yet to be banned in other big cities like Los Angeles, so you may just have to change your travel plans to get those Instagram worthy shots.
Do you think activated charcoal should be banned in food and drinks? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more: Avoiding Sunlight in Style–A Goth Guide to Summer
