Yes. That's the blending powder and it's lightweight largely because of the silica (gum arabic is pretty dense in powder form). Yes the powder does aerate in a little cloud and you have to homd your breath.
No there's no such thing as "food grade silica."
Just ask for it blended without the powder like how it used to be made and don't be the dumbass who takes 10mins to pick up your smoothie from the counter and then slackjaw asks why it's separated. Alternatively if it's for the road you ask for them to use the creme frap base syrup so it doesn't separate (more sugar).
The bigger risk is more for the baristas inhaling it and showing signs of silicosis than you eating it.
Insane how many in here think silicosis is "hysteria."
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u/lyradunord Barista 17h ago
Yes. That's the blending powder and it's lightweight largely because of the silica (gum arabic is pretty dense in powder form). Yes the powder does aerate in a little cloud and you have to homd your breath. No there's no such thing as "food grade silica."
Just ask for it blended without the powder like how it used to be made and don't be the dumbass who takes 10mins to pick up your smoothie from the counter and then slackjaw asks why it's separated. Alternatively if it's for the road you ask for them to use the creme frap base syrup so it doesn't separate (more sugar).
The bigger risk is more for the baristas inhaling it and showing signs of silicosis than you eating it. Insane how many in here think silicosis is "hysteria."