10+ Moments when ordinary objects looked deceptively like food

Prepare your eyes (and try to keep your appetite) as we travel through a gallery of things that look oddly edible, but absolutely aren't! These forbidden snacks and meals are the ultimate test for anyone brave enough to trust their cravings—or their common sense. Dig in, but please, don't actually dig in.

“Do Not Eat The Urinal Salami V2”

mustangsal/Reddit
mustangsal/Reddit

My brain instantly screamed, “Please don’t put that in a sandwich!” The fact that it’s called urinal salami V2 raises way more questions than it answers. Uncomfortably meaty and suspiciously shiny, this looks like the scariest burger patty of all time. I’ll pass, thanks.

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“The sacrilegious Parmesan”

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If you told me this was a rebellious twist on classic Parmesan I’d almost believe you. But those suspiciously long shreds look closer to packing materials than any cheese I’d want on pasta. Was someone about to make a pizza or just stuff a package? Hard to tell.

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“Forbidden Cookies and Cream Dippin’ Dots”

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ViewFrom209/Reddit
ViewFrom209/Reddit
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For a brief, blissful second, I thought I’d found a secret stash of Cookies and Cream Dippin’ Dots—they just look so perfectly snackable! But the reality check comes in strong: these tiny plastic beads are as non-edible as it gets. My sweet tooth is officially betrayed.

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“Forbidden cheese puffs”

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Owend1323/Reddit
Owend1323/Reddit
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I swear someone is making snacks out of packing material, and I don’t know how to feel about it. These cheese puffs look dangerously crunchable, but my dentist would definitely not approve. Maybe Juicy Fruit can take some inspiration for their next extreme flavor edition.

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“Forbidden Rice Ball”

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littlemissmoxie/Reddit
littlemissmoxie/Reddit
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If that’s a rice ball, I’m adopting a shark. This underwater surprise has a particularly gourmet vibe—until you spot the fins and the look of impending doom. Take a bite and you might find yourself on the wrong end of a documentary.

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“Forbidden Salad”

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Negative-Chapter5008/Reddit
Negative-Chapter5008/Reddit
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Is it a salad? Is it a stunning work of bioart? I’m torn between making a vinaigrette and phoning a scientist. The colors are so alluring, but on closer look it’s like playing Where’s Waldo with plant anatomy. Crunchy specimen, but I’ll pass on lunch.

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“Forbidden chocolate milkshake”

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KernowBysVykken93/Reddit
KernowBysVykken93/Reddit
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A tall, cold chocolate milkshake is exactly what I’d love right now—if this wasn’t made entirely of motor oil. My taste buds are ready, but my common sense is begging for mercy. Maybe just stick to the drive-thru for your next dessert.

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“Forbidden chocolate cake”

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Jan_Spontan/Reddit
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When your hedges look so much like a chocolate cake you start considering bringing out the candles. This cake even survived the snow— now that's dedication to staying moist! The only thing missing is a giant scoop of ice cream (or maybe just a lawnmower).

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“Barbecue Sauce for your couch”

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After_Locksmith_1827/Reddit
After_Locksmith_1827/Reddit
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At first glance: what an innovative bottle for barbecue sauce! Ready to take grilling to the next level. But wait—should my couch really be getting marinated? The flavor might be tempting, but I’m suddenly very confused about what’s for dinner tonight.

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“Forbidden tteokbokki”

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Joey_wOng32/Reddit
Joey_wOng32/Reddit
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This serving of tteokbokki looks so savory, all I need are some chopsticks and a napkin—until I realize this is not what it seems. If you’re tempted, you might want to ask where exactly it was cooked, because I have a strong feeling this snack is one-way only.

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“Forbidden baguette keeping warm by the window”

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Freshly baked by the sun, this crunchy golden baguette seems perfect for a cozy breakfast. Until you realize it's suspiciously furry and purrs when you touch it. Who knew sourdough could be this affectionate? I’ll take a ‘catpuccino’ to go with it, please.

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“Forbidden Spagetti”

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AndyAndieFreude/Reddit
AndyAndieFreude/Reddit
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Does anyone else feel personally attacked by how much this pile of cables looks like a mountain of perfect spaghetti? I almost reached for a fork before realizing I was in the server room and not an Italian restaurant. Tech support never tasted so... rubbery.