“Which do you prefer? Snack 8816CAO coloured what we now call light red, or snack 10345HBX coloured what we now call deep red? Which one tastes the best and why?
“The second one, definitely the second one. And I love the colour.”
“But why?”
“Makes it look much more mouthwatering. Tastes better. Reminds me of a place I was once told about. A far-off place whose name I can’t recall.”
“Congratulations, you’ve chosen the best. It’s our own brand and is less expensive than the market leader you also tried. Can I tempt you to receive a few packets as payment?”
“Yes, please, but I have to ask. What’s the flavour and what makes it that…what did you call it, deep red colour?”
“Homolastic.’ It was discovered on a planet in the Malleable system. The dominant species on that planet is homo sapiens. They refer to it as a substance called plastic, something they think they created themselves, but unknown to them, did not. We planted it there.”
“Planted?”
“Yes, we found it on the red planet that neighbours them. That planet is now uninhabitable, although they believe that one day they can inhabit it.”
“And the colour?”
“Their blood, which, unlike ours, is liquid-form. When mixed with homolastic and the other ingredients, the majority of our testers agree it’s the best flavour. There are just under 8 billion homosapiens, and most are infested with homolastic, so we’ll never run out during our lifetime. And when their planet becomes uninhabitable, we’ll have a new home.”
Written in response to Esther Chilton’s Writing Prompt: Theme: Red.
The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress AI Image Generator block. AI was also used for checking spelling and grammar mistakes.
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A shocking story, in truth.
I have been annoyed by Morrison’s supermarket recently. Their own brand gold blend coffee came in infinitely recyclable glass, but in the last month or so they’ve started packing it in plastic ones. Whatever the plastic, recyclable or not, it can only be recycled a few times.
I wonder if Morrison’s has done that on cost basis and put profit over environment? It’s a sad fact that many big companies do not take the environment as seriously as they should, thinking more about their shareholders.
Sadly that’s too often the case.
So sorry, Hugh, I almost missed this clever tale! So that’s where red dye #?? comes from! Ick! I saw Barbara’s reference to Soylent Green, that was a cool movie, if a little too true! “Soylent Green is People…” Charleton Heston.
There are so many additives in our foods, and it is almost impossible to see pure ingredients these days. I read an article about pea protein which is made into powders and very popular. Sadly the lead levels are super high and all the health benefits fly out the window. The US FDA does not regulate plant over sprays and the lead builds up in our systems when using pea protein powder.
Hi Terri, no need to apologise. Read what you can, when you can. But it’s always good to hear from you.
I had to delete the link you included as unfortunately it was leading me to a page that announced ‘This service is currently not available.’ But I get what you say about powders made form what seems healthy foods. I had no idea there was such a thing as pea powder, but I’m aware of powder supplements, especially those aimed at people who want to build muscle. It’s frightening what goes into some supplements, especially those bought online from dodgy websites. It’s a little like what I hear about some of the very high levels of poison that vapes purchased from under the counter or again on dodgy website contain.
I’m glad you enjoyed this short tale. It’s got a lot of those who read it thinking.
Bummer about that link. I’m not sure where I read the article. I use a little whey protein powder on occasion, but its ok. It’s scary what ingredients are being added to food as filler to make it go farther. Your story tells the future of a hard truth… sans aliens 👽 🤣
Aw Hugh, I loved this. You had me laughing out loud at the end. The ending was so unexpected 😲
Glad to hear it, Brenda. Always delighted to make people laugh, especially at this time of the year.
What a good way to approach the writing prompt Hugh, very original. And food for thought (no pun intended).
I’m glad you thought so, Paul. I try to think out-of-the-box with these things, but my mind can have other ideas.
You’re very welcome. 🤣😎🙃
First is the fear of all the plastic inside our system. Next is the thought we’ve been invaded. Then the odd knowledge that we did this to ourselves. Knowing all that, it becomes the questions of why we don’t stop it. Lots of thoughts. 🤣😎🙃
And those are great thoughts. I’m glad the story made you think like that. That’s exactly what I hope these kind of stories do when read.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Thought Provoking. 🤣😎🙃
Please share them with us.
You have a great imagination, Hugh. Your story reminds me of when Red M&M’s were discontinued from 1976 to 1987 due to public concern over Red Dye No. 2, a synthetic food coloring falsely linked to cancer in a Soviet study.
Although M&M’s never used Red Dye No. 2, Mars Company removed red candies from production to avoid consumer confusion and panic, replacing them with orange M&M’s. M&M’s use Red Dye No. 40, which is safe and approved by the FDA.
This is much worse, having microplastics in our food, and water. Hugh, I think you must have a crystal ball.
I wasn’t aware of the withdrawal of Red M&M’s, Eugi. However, I believe we have had similar situations here in the UK with certain coloured foods being withdrawn because of health concerns involving certain food colouring products. These days, I see many companies proudly advertising that their products contain no added additives or colourings. Yet, as you rightly say, not enough seemed concerned about microplastics contained in our water and foods.
I was shocked when read about microplastics in a wide range of food, even in tea bags.
Yes, here in the UK, we can at last recycle teabags in with food waste. I think many of the teabag manufacturer based in the UK have at last got rid of that microplastic.
Creepy, but typical Hugh in a way. :)
I’m delighted you thought so.
Yikes! I’ve heard that microplastics were everywhere, including in our food… but I never thought that aliens were involved.
They have a lot to answer for. But so do we. Happy snacking.
yikes! let’s hope this doesn’t happen )
I think it already has, Be careful when buying snacks.
Holy Cow! Again – I had no idea where your imagination was going! And to think this morning at the market I fancied buying some luscious red cherries!
Don’t allow me to put you off buying those cherries. I only ever see them in the summer months. It’s like mince pies at Christmas.
Mince pies, only at Christmas, yes. Yet strangely, we can get hot cross buns all year.
I know, right? Back in the day, I remember only being able to buy Hot Cross buns on Good Friday, or the day before Good Friday (if the shop was closed on Good Friday).
At least there is a future for someone on this planet… hysterical laughter!!
Great story that really makes yo thinkg, Hugh!
I’m glad you think so, Erika. 2026 has started on a rocky note. I hope the seasickness stops soon.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I felt like this during my Covid infektion two years ago. I hope you are much better soon, Hugh!
I was referring to the world as a whole, Erika. Thankfully, I’m healthy and feeling positive.
Oh, gosh! Sorry, yes, I see the context now and totally hear you. We just talked at night, how the police in Zurich had to bring riots under control – riots in Switzerland! How far have we come…
I hadn’t heard about the riots in Switzerland, but given who is on his way there (right now), maybe it’s because of that? I’ve always seen Switzerland as a peaceful, neutral and happy country.
It is because of that. No one wants him here (at least not the clear majority! Right, Switzerland is a very peaceful country and when things like this happen even here… Some parties wanted even to exclude him from the WEF. I don’t need to tell you how much of tarifs he wanted from Switzerland, but then he got paid with a Rolex and a gold bar.
It’s a sad world when one person can hold the whole world to ransom. I’ve blocked anything about him on my social media platforms. And I don’t watch the news. I catch up on it on local radio.
Same over here. I blocked such information at least on BlueSky. But I like seeing how people are more and more standing up. Unfortunately most states are still afraid of doing so due to his unreliability and untrustworthiness. It is time to check out options without the US.
100% behind you on that, Erika.
A great, imaginative story., My reaction was yuck! at first I thought you were getting into a discussion about Red Dye #2 or whatever number it is. This is worse!
Thank you. I agree, this is a dark story. But hopefully one that will get people thinking about what they do with plastics.
Indeed. Our brains are already riddled with microplastics. But I think concern will eventually bring about change.
I hope so, although my ‘best-by’ date will have probably come and gone by the time it does.
Mine, too – I’m pushing the envelope at 82 this year!
I hear 82 is the new 62.
Mentally I think I am 42 but physically…..
What a super story, Hugh! I wasn’t sure where it was going to begin with and then you reveal a bit more and a bit more. I really like where you take it – hopefully not a prediction for the future! I’ll add it to my prompts round-up if that’s okay.
Hi Esther, yes, please do.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I enjoy writing in dialog only. Some say it’s difficult to do, but I rather the characters say what’s going on rather than the author (so to speak).
I think dialogue works so well in driving a story forward and you do it so well. Thank you, Hugh.
Well, that was quite a shocker. Now I know what those red things are in the photo, I’ll say no thanks! Great story! Reminds me a little of Soylent Green! :)
I’m glad it shocked. Soylent Green is a gem of a 70’s sci-fic movie. I’ve not watched it since it was released. Time for a rewatch.
Same here, I need to see it again. Thanks again for the story. :)
Hi Hugh! Great story, is it only your imagination or are you seeing the future? :)
Lol, how did you know I had a crystal ball, Elizabeth? My imagination can run riot, when I allow it.
Good to see you. Hope all is well with you.