No one’s immune to feeling snackish; and when you do, it feels like everything around you resembles food. Even though in most cases it’s just your imagination running wild, some inedible objects do look surprisingly lifelike.

We have found some of the best examples of real-looking munchies that would probably be challenging for your digestive system to take care of. Ranging from rocks resembling potatoes to “pancakes” growing in the wild, and beyond, these forbidden snacks are likely to confuse most of us here. Especially the hungry ones. Scroll down to view them yourself, but do it at your own risk—the pictures might make you seriously hungry as well.

In order to learn more about the importance of snacking and what exactly to snack on, Bored Panda turned to two experts, registered dietitians Dr. Duane Mellor and Dr. Jane Burrell. They were kind enough to share their insight on the topic, which you will find in the text below.

#1 A Glass Of Milk

Image credits: reddit.com

#2 Who Seriously Puts Whipped Cream On A Croissant?

Image credits: reddit.com

#3 Forbidden Gelato

Image credits: TungstenChef

According to the Food Information Council’s Food and Health Survey from 2022, quite a few Americans enjoy an occasional snack. The survey revealed that nearly three in four people in the US munch on something at least once a day: 34% stick to one time, 25% reported snacking twice, and 14% admitted to snacking three or more times a day.

Statistics prove that people enjoy eating something light in between meals; however, whether it’s healthy for them to do so remains a somewhat unsolved mystery.

“The evidence on snacking is very mixed, some research suggests having a gap between meals can help our metabolism return to a fasting level and allow the acidity levels to return to normal in our mouth, reducing risk of tooth decay. However, other evidence suggests that at least for some people, eating six smaller meals can help with weight management more than two-three larger ones,” award-winning dietitian, science communicator, and Senior Teaching Fellow at Aston Medical School, Dr. Duane Mellor, told Bored Panda in a recent interview.

#4 Egg

Image credits: gDisasters

#5 Found A Piece Of Rock That Looks Like A Steak

Image credits: Weidelberg

Registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN) and Associate Teaching Professor at Syracuse University, Jane Burrell, believes that snacking can be a great addition to a healthy eating pattern if you put a little thought into it. “First, snacks should be nutritious (most of the time), that is, they should be food that comes from nature and contains ingredients that you would find in your own kitchen and provide nutrients as well as enjoyment,” she told Bored Panda. “And yes, nutritious food can be delicious!”

Dr. Duane Mellor suggested that the best snacks health-wise are things like fresh fruit and vegetables (possibly with something like hummus) or a small handful of unsalted nuts or seeds.

#6 Got Distracted While Buttering Bread, Buttered A Sponge Instead

Image credits: Drumsandwar

#7 Waiter, My Cheese Single Is Moving

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#8 My Mom Received These From A Friend. I Thought They Were Candy. They Are Glass

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Prof. Burrell pointed out that snacking becomes an issue when it consists of ultra-processed foods. “That is, products made by breaking down whole foods into components and reconstituting them into new shapes, colors and textures. These foods may be disguised as healthy by adding nutrients or creating flashy packages that claim they are nutritious. Ultra-processed foods trigger appetite and have little satiety value, that is, they fill you up in the short-term but leave you hungry sooner.”

#9 When You Find Out The Hard Way That The Italian Restaurant’s Hand Sanitizer Looks Exactly Like Olive Oil

Image credits: BabyKitten24

#10 The Nutritionist Be Like “Sir, This Isn’t What I Meant”

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#11 Fried Pups

Image credits: Feeling_Soft2473

“There is not one healthy way to eat, some people do very well with three meals a day, others prefer smaller meals and including snacks throughout the day. The important thing is to pay attention to your body. When you eat mostly whole and less processed foods, it is very hard to overeat and you will feel better. Taking time to consider your hunger and satiety will free you from concern for counting calories or your macros,” registered nutritionist Jane Burrell told Bored Panda.

“In general, the more active you are, the more you need to eat so you can adjust according to your day. Another important point is to plan to eat. You need to fuel your body, not starve your body! Despite what influencers tell you about keeping your calories low, or avoiding certain foods, your body needs to be nourished with food. It is important to note that sometimes it is perfectly fine to indulge without guilt,” she added.

#12 Forbidden Noodles

Image credits: captain_curt

#13 Almost Drank From This Bottle Of Wood Polish Disguised As A Water Bottle

Image credits: reddit.com

#14 Tree Pancakes Topped With Whipped Cream

Image credits: Mowgli212

If you find yourself feeling snackish, Dr. Jane Burrell suggests choosing nutritious snacks that include different food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins (plant or animal), and dairy (from cows or soy).

“These whole foods have a high satiety value due to their fiber content, and are very nutrient-dense, that is, they have a lot of nutrients and phytochemicals (natural antioxidants). This means they keep you full and provide key nutrients and other compounds that support your immune system, brain, physical and mental health,” she said.

“As a guide, aim for one fruit or vegetable (fresh or frozen) at each snack. You can pair it with some protein like hummus, nuts or nut butter, Greek yogurt, or low fat-cheese and a whole grain bar.”

#15 The Polystyrene In My Parcel Looks Like Potato Crisps

Image credits: BabaDeathLord

#16 Some Kid vs. Random Prop Banana At A Furniture Store

Image credits: privysage69

#17 This Potato With A Bite Mark In It, Is Actually A Stone My Niece Found On A Lake Bed

Image credits: Sinicalkush

“The best tip about snacking is not to add extras into your overall daily diet,” dietitian and science communicator, Dr. Duane Mellor, told Bored Panda. “So you either ‘borrow’ the snack from meals or plan it so you eat a little less at meal times. If you have a sandwich and an apple for lunch, maybe have the apple mid-afternoon instead so you are not as hungry on the way home from work, for example.”

Dr. Jane Burrell also shared munching-related tips to lead a healthy lifestyle without having to say goodbye to having a bite in between meals. “Plan to snack; having nutritious foods on hand prevents impulse buying from the snack aisle. Include foods in a minimally processed state; this includes fresh foods with no labels or foods with ingredients you would cook with. Listen to your body; are you hungry or are you filling a different void? This allows you to eat without guilt. Sometimes your body wants to indulge and that is ok but follow steps one and two and it will happen less often.”

#18 Are These Coco Puffs Making Us Cuckoo?

Image credits: Ok_Principle_982

#19 This Rock That Looks Like A Baked Potato

Image credits: extratoad

#20 Forbidden Lollipops

Image credits: markovnikavogadro

Children are one of the groups that seemingly enjoy snacking the most. Whether it’s apple bites or something less edible—lego blocks, for instance—the little ones might be equally interested in learning what they taste like. However, when it comes to actual snacks and kids, Dr. Mellor pointed out that including vegetables and fruit can be a way of encouraging children to eat a wider variety of foods.

“It’s best not to routinely rely on things like crisps, biscuits and chocolate, but instead have healthier options as a norm and try not to have things like sweets and chocolate as a ’treat’, instead offering them as part of the rota of snacks, albeit less often than the fresh stuff.”

#21 Perfectly-Shaped Toothpaste Ball Looks A Bit Like A Hard Candy

Image credits: Limoniv

#22 Forbidden Bowl Of Handmade Fettuccini

Image credits: AdmirableIsopod2512

#23 Forbidden Italian Ice (Diaper That Exploded In The Wash)

Image credits: smokypanther

Expert Jane Burrell emphasized that snacking is very important for children who are growing rapidly and have high nutrient needs relative to their size. “In fact, one-third of energy and nutrient intake should be provided from snacks. For this reason, it is important to include nutritious snacks as indicated above to ensure they are growing and developing.

“Children and their parents are very vulnerable to marketing of ultra-processed foods so planning ahead is helpful. The same principles apply; snacks should come from the food groups most of the time but it is important to allow children to explore foods and feel included in the same eating behaviors as their peers. 

“Over-restriction of foods may lead to over-valuing them. This can lead to feelings of guilt or lack to control when they are given the opportunity to eat them. One final note, kids learn to eat from their parents and caretakers so modeling healthy eating behaviors and attitudes toward eating are more important than simply telling kids what to eat.”

#24 The Forbidden Chocolate Bar

Image credits: TheFellatedOne

#25 Forbidden Cheetos Found At The Hardware Store

Image credits: FlahTheToaster

#26 These Cork Coasters Are An Accident Waiting To Happen

Image credits: formidable_croissant

The pictures on this list prove that children are far from the only ones who might view something completely inedible as a snack. If you enjoyed your mind tricking you into thinking these were actual munchies, make sure to browse our previous editions here, here, here, and here.

#27 Chalk With A Popsicle Color, Shape, And Even Wood Handle. What Could Go Wrong Giving These To Kids?

Image credits: rtowne

#28 Forbidden Cheetos (Platinum Chloride Salt)

Image credits: Ben Mills

#29 This Plant Has Leaves That Look Like Watermelons

Image credits: Vinnythechef

#30 This Pine Cone Looks Like Shrimp Tempura

Image credits: JohnnyTHSeed

#31 You Can Grow Pancakes?

Image credits: PapessaEss

#32 Forbidden Peanut Butter

Image credits: dudeisaguyonaranch

#33 Saw These Chocolate Bars Laying On The Table And Decided To Take A Bite. Turns Out My Brother Painted Solid Clay Brown At School Today To Prank Me. He Got Me

Image credits: Dark_Wolf04

#34 Rock That Looks Super Similar To Bread

Image credits: leonbravo10

#35 This Rock I Found On The Beach Looks Like A Hard-Boiled Egg

Image credits: just__Steve

#36 A Cute Burrito

Image credits: alejandrooooooG

#37 Forbidden Water Bottle

Image credits: beyondthisreality

#38 Algae Balls From My Lab Are Looking Kinda Delicious

Image credits: Odd_Cranberry9343

#39 The Inside Of This Golf Ball Looks Like A Boiled Egg

Image credits: EndersGame_Reviewer

#40 Forbidden Ground Beef

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#41 I Spilled My Froggin’ Ramen

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#42 Forbidden Chocolate Chip Cookie

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#43 Dooreo

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#44 Forbidden Yakisoba

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#45 That’s A Spicy Hot Dog

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#46 Yum Drink And Trip To The Hospital, Kids

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#47 The Snowfall On This Empty Planter Looks Like A Perfect Egg Cup

Image credits: YeahRightSaidFred

#48 This Stone Looks Like A Fried Egg

Image credits: MacyTmcterry

#49 This Forbidden Donut

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#50 This Mattress Looks Like An Ice Cream Sandwich

Image credits: MyNameIsKritter

#51 Nearly Picked This Up At The School Market! Luckily I Read The Label. It Was Right Next To Drinks Too. I Think I Might Try Grape Next Time Since Lemon Burned My Throat

Image credits: ravenpotter3

#52 Toblerone Barriers

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#53 Meat Earrings Anyone?

Image credits: Sara Zoe

#54 Forbidden Potatoes (Sandy Turtle Eggs)

Image credits: onichama

#55 My Hoya Right Before It Blooms Looks Like Candy

Image credits: MaepleFox

#56 Forbidden Mac N’ Cheese

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#57 My Neighbor’s Blooming Agave Looks Like A Giant Asparagus

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#58 This Will Result In Some Issues

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#59 I Don’t See How This Could Possibly Go Wrong (They Disappeared Shortly After)

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#60 Forbidden Sunny Side Up

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#61 Forbidden Spicy Noodles

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#62 They’re Just Begging For It

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#63 Forbidden Slice Of Bread (Whale’s Rib)

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#64 Forbidden XL Pringles

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#65 Forbidden Orange Juice?

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#66 It Was Supposed To Be An Art Project Where I Try To Make A Perfect 1-Centimeter Cube But After Finishing It I Realized I Made The Forbidden Sugar Cube

Image credits: _sahib

#67 Forbidden Chickie Nuggs

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#68 The Forbidden Chocolate Fudge. All Of This Came Out After I Cleaned Out The Grease Trap From My Smoker

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#69 Oven-Baked Hoagie Bread

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#70 Had A 3D Printer Failure But At Least I Got This Wonderful Vegan Shrimp Tempura

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#71 I Bit The Soap But I Regret My Decision

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#72 Forbidden Ravioli

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#73 Forbidden Peas

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#74 Forbidden Chewy Sweets

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#75 Some Expensive Ice Cream Sandwiches

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#76 This Tropical Fruit That Resembles A Banana Slug

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#77 Someone Keeps Taking Bites Out Of Our Community Pool Noodle

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#78 This Forbidden Oreo, Which Is A Wax Stamp

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#79 This Forbidden Doughnut With Sprinkles

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#80 This Rock I Found That Resembles A Chunk Of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

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#81 Forbidden Mustard

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#82 Mix And Match Candy Station

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#83 This Spider

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#84 This Propane Tank Where I Work Was Just Painted To Look Like A Watermelon

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#85 Forbidden Barbecue Sauce

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#86 Forbidden Spaghetti

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#87 This Rock Looks Like An Ice Cream Sandwich

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#88 Are They Tuna Rolls? Or Bath Bombs?

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#89 Forbidden Cheese Goodness

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#90 Forbidden Egg Rolls

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#91 I Don’t Know, I Just Want To Bite The Rocks

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#92 These Rocks That Look Like Bacon

Image credits: MC-ClapYoHandzz

#93 Gelato Anyone? Started Working With A New Material Today And I Don’t Know About You But It’s Making Me Want A Pistachio Gelato On The Cobbled Streets Of Italy

Image credits: minimalfolk_

#94 This Rock I Found Resembles An Eggplant

Image credits: bobatron71

#95 Forbidden Fries

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#96 Forbidden Gums

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#97 Looks Like Ramen Noodles In The Tide Pools

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#98 This Tiny Pinecone Looks Like A Pineapple. It Is Also The Size Of A Fingernail

Image credits: icanneverthinkofone1

#99 Forbidden Churros

Image credits: PoshViking

#100 Forbidden Brownies

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#101 Got Back To The Office After December Leave And Came Upon This Delightful Brew

Image credits: IHeartAquaSoMuch

#102 My Girlfriend Found This Rock On The Beach While Reading A Book. It Looks Like An Egg

Image credits: arthurwolf

#103 It Looks Like The Forbidden Toaster Strudel Icing

Image credits: epicamytime

#104 Forbidden Turkish Delight

Image credits: TeemtoPagalies69

#105 Dooreo

Source: boredpanda.com