If you’ve ever opened a bag of baby carrots and noticed a strange white film coating them, you’re not alone. Many people encounter this phenomenon and wonder if it’s safe to eat or if it’s a sign that the carrots have gone bad.

The good news? It’s completely harmless. Let’s take a closer look at what this white substance is, why it forms, and how to deal with it.

What Is the White Stuff on Baby Carrots?

The white stuff you see is commonly referred to as “carrot blush”. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not chlorine or mold but rather a harmless layer of film caused by dehydration. When baby carrots lose moisture after being exposed to air, their outer surface begins to roughen, scattering light and producing this whitish appearance.1 Regular carrots don’t experience this as much because they retain their natural protective skin, which helps lock in moisture.

How Does Carrot Blush Form?

Carrot blush forms when baby carrots dry out after exposure to the atmosphere. Without the protective skin that regular carrots have, they are more vulnerable to dehydration. Pol Bishop, a gardening expert, explains that “moisture loss in the thin outer layer of the baby carrot causes its surface to roughen up and light to be scattered throughout it. All of this results in whitish marks on the carrot”. The absence of their protective layer also makes them more prone to skin cell damage, which contributes to the formation of this white film.

Is Carrot Blush Harmful?

The short answer is no — carrot blush is completely harmless. According to nutrition experts, this white film is not a sign that the carrots are spoiled or unsafe to eat. It’s simply a sign that the carrots have dried out slightly. You can eat them as is or remove the white blush by washing or soaking the carrots in water for a few minutes, which can help restore their vibrant orange color.