What is silica gel and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy?

Many of the things I buy contain little packets of crystals. Some of them actually say 'Silica Gel' on them, but many are unlabeled or say something like, 'Do not eat.' I have found these packets in electronics, vitamins and even in some pepperoni I bought last week! What is this stuff? Is it poisonous?
Many of the things I buy contain little packets of crystals. Some of them actually say "Silica Gel" on them, but many are unlabeled or say something like, "Do not eat." I have found these packets in electronics, vitamins and even in some pepperoni I

Silica Gel Packets: 7 Surprising Uses of Silica Gel Packets

Mars li on LinkedIn: Active mines. 1. Introduction: Active mineral desiccant, made from bump…

100 Packets 3 g Grams Silica Gel Desiccant Pack Moisture Absorber

Mini Packages of SIO2 Desiccant 1-10g Silica Gel in Packets

Mars li on LinkedIn: #killer #lifesavingstraw #desiccant #electronicdevices

Pt1 fluid properties

Science Questions

How to reuse silica gel packs - David Suzuki Foundation

Innovation, HowStuffWorks

Factory Sales1g Small Bag Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Silica Gel