What Is in Liquid Smoke?

Liquid smoke is a product you can buy at the grocery store to add a smoky barbeque flavor to food. It can also be used as a food preservative. It comes in a variety of smoke flavors, mainly based on different woods, such as hickory or mesquite. Have you ever wondered what exactly is in liquid smoke? The answer is: smoke!

Liquid smoke is made by bubbling smoke through water. Particles of smoke are left behind in the liquid. The smoky water is condensed to concentrate the flavor. Sometimes additional flavorings are added to liquid smoke, such as seasonings. While you don't get all the char and ash you might get from a grill, you get the same flavor and also the same carcinogens that naturally occur in smoke.