We sometimes receive questions about little bits of a brown substance in Calorie Mate BLOCK Maple. These inquiries may be referring to the brown substance shown in the photograph, which is orange peel, an ingredient used in the product. Orange peel simmered in sugar water is a common ingredient in many cakes and confections. The orange peel may turn brown when heated, but this change in color does not have any adverse effect on the safety of the product or the health of the consumer.