additives
Mixed-in supplementary substances
Additives are substances added in small quantities to improve or preserve something.
Food additives include preservatives, colorings, and flavor enhancers: Check the label for artificial additives.
Fuel additives boost performance or reduce emissions.
The word often carries negative connotations, suggesting something unnatural or potentially harmful: The bread is made without additives.
Substance adding taste
- vanillaOrchid pod extract
- cinnamonAromatic bark spice
- MSGUmami compound, abbreviated
- aspartameArtificial low-calorie sweetener
saccharin · stevia · sucralose · ginger · nutmeg · cardamom · saffron · anise
Substance adding viscosity
- emulsifierCombines immiscible liquids
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- gelatinCollagen-derived thickening protein
- pectinFruit-based setting substance
agar · lecithin · cornstarch · arrowroot · tapioca · maltodextrin · cellulose · alginate
Agent preventing spoilage
- antioxidantOxidation-preventing molecule
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- sulfitesPreservative sulfur-based chemicals
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
stabilizer · curing · pickling · canning · smoking · fermentation · brining · pasteurization
Produced artificially, not natural
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
- plasticizerAdditive increasing material pliability
solvent · resin · epoxy · silicone · retardant · lubricant · antifreeze · detergent
flavoring
Substance adding taste
aspartame · saccharin · stevia · sucralose · ginger · nutmeg · cardamom · saffron · anise · peppermint
thickener
Substance adding viscosity
- emulsifierCombines immiscible liquids
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- gelatinCollagen-derived thickening protein
pectin · agar · lecithin · cornstarch · arrowroot · tapioca · maltodextrin · cellulose · alginate · texturizer
preservative
Agent preventing spoilage
- antioxidantOxidation-preventing molecule
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- sulfitesPreservative sulfur-based chemicals
shelf-life · stabilizer · curing · pickling · canning · smoking · fermentation · brining · pasteurization · freezing
synthetic
Produced artificially, not natural
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
plasticizer · solvent · resin · epoxy · silicone · retardant · lubricant · antifreeze · detergent · surfactant
supplement
Something added to complete
- vitaminEssential organic nutrient
- mineralNaturally formed crystalline solid
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
enrichment · calcium · iron · zinc · omega-3 · protein · fiber · probiotic · prebiotic · micronutrient
coloring
Adding pigment to something
carmine · annatto · tartrazine · beetroot · turmeric · paprika · saffron · chlorophyll · hue · tint
- Food Analysischemical analysis, nutrients, nutrition, food quality, ingredients
- food policyfood policy, food stamps, food aid, food assistance, food security
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- food issuesfood labeling, food waste, factory farming, GMOs, pesticides
- Gasolinegas, petrol, fuel, octane, unleaded
- product labelsingredient list, warning labels, safety labels, warning label, nutrition facts
additivesnatural ingredients
Substances from nature
whole foods · preservative-free · raw materials · clean label
additivesremovals
Acts of taking away
extractions · reductions · depletions · eliminations · filtrates
- food additivesSubstances mixed into manufactured provisions
- chemical additivesSupplementary synthetic ingredients
- additive inverseNumber's zero-sum partner
- fuel additiveSubstance improving engine performance
- synthetic additivesMan-made substances added
- toxic additivesDangerous substances added deliberately