'Perfect Midnight Snack': Bizarre New Trend Shows People Eating Packing Peanuts, Leaving Experts Worried

A bizarre trend has emerged on TikTok, where users are consuming biodegradable packing peanuts under the assumption that they are edible, much to the concern of health experts.

Online shoppers have been showcasing their unusual snacking habit ever since 2024, claiming that the foam-like peanuts dissolve in their mouths and, therefore, must be safe to eat.

The trend regained traction after a beauty enthusiast questioned the trend in a now viral (but deleted) TikTok video, “Did anyone know that Lush packing peanuts are edible??” before casually popping one into her mouth.

The personal care brand Lush uses “eco-flo chips” in its packaging, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional foam packing peanuts. Made from potato starch, these dissolvable materials are designed to break down in water and soil, reducing waste.

Dr. Larissa L. Garth, DMSc, MPH, MPAS, PA-C, explained, "Potato starch in its purest form has the potential to provide hormonal health benefits such as the feeling of postprandial satiety (fullness after eating), which could promote weight loss." However, despite packing peanuts made of potato starch, experts warn that these shipping materials are not intended for human consumption.

This trend poses such a significant risk that while some videos remain on the platform, TikTok appears to be removing certain content related to it.

Viewers quickly flooded the comments section on these videos with skepticism and concern, per the New York Post.

“Biodegradable doesn’t mean edible,” one person cautioned, while another added, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should!” Others pointed out potential contamination issues, with one user noting, “Girl, those packing peanuts have probably been on the ground & touched by idk how many people. Pls don’t die.”

While some TikTok users defended the practice, saying they finally didn’t feel like “a weirdo” for enjoying the unconventional snack, health professionals strongly advise against it. Beyond concerns about hygiene, experts warn that even biodegradable packing peanuts may contain harmful compounds.

At best, consuming these eco-friendly peanuts could lead to bloating, stomach pain, and gas. At worst, the process used to manufacture them may create acrylamide, a known carcinogen linked to cancer.

ThriveLab nurse practitioner Angelica McGough explained to Delish that the extreme heat required to produce potato starch-based packing peanuts can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a substance associated with an increased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.

“Many vegetable oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed excessively, contribute to an imbalance that promotes chronic inflammation,” McGough added. “Inhaling cooking fumes and consuming heated oils has been linked to lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.”

Not all packing peanuts are the same. While many companies have transitioned to biodegradable alternatives, a significant number of packing peanuts are still made from styrofoam, a material that should never be consumed.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, styrofoam itself is not toxic, but it does not break down in the body. Instead, it is expected to pass through the digestive system without causing harm. However, there remains a serious risk of choking or gagging if a piece becomes lodged in the esophagus.

Although styrofoam was once the primary material used for packing peanuts, many businesses have adopted more environmentally friendly alternatives made from biodegradable materials, some of which are theoretically edible. These options are designed to be compostable or recyclable, making them a more sustainable choice. A simple way to determine whether packing peanuts are biodegradable is by placing them under running water as biodegradable ones will dissolve, while styrofoam will remain intact.

However, even biodegradable packing peanuts come with concerns.

Despite the curiosity surrounding the trend, experts strongly discourage turning shipping materials into a snack. While they may dissolve in water, that doesn’t mean they should be dissolved in the stomach.

Bottom line... Packing peanuts and peanuts are not the same thing.