Is the Newest Charcoal Food Fad Safe?

Black pancakes, black lemonade, and black ice cream? Black food is the latest culinary craze, and the food gets its deep, rich black color from charcoal. When heated and used as an additive in food, it’s called activated charcoal, and many foodies claim it has detoxifying powers. Dr. Roshini Raj warns against consuming activated charcoal on a regular basis. “If you’re repeatedly doing this, it can build up and it can also interact with medications you’re taking,” he says.