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 - Wikipedia

How to reuse silica gel packs - David Suzuki Foundation

6 Uses For Those Silica Gel Bags That Come With Everything You Buy

Don't Throw Away Annoying Silica Gel Packets:” Here Are 10 Things To Use Them For Instead

Silica Gel Packets Moisture Absorber Reusable Desiccant Food - Temu

50 Uses for Silica Gel Packets - Happy Mothering

11 Uses for Silica Gel Packets

How to Reuse Silica Gel Packets

Packet 1.77 x 1.96 in, a ziplock bag sealed. , GREAT ABSORBING CAPACITY - Silica gel beads can absorb 40% of its weight in water vapor and 15% in the

LotFancy 100 Packs 3Gram Silica Gel Packets, Indicating Desiccant Packets

Creative Ways to Reuse Silica Gel Sachets