food-additives
MSG and similar
Food additives are substances added to food during processing to preserve freshness, enhance flavor, improve appearance, or modify texture.
Salt and vinegar are ancient additives; modern ones include emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial colors, and preservatives like sodium benzoate.
Check the label for food additives if you have allergies.
The term often carries suspicion about processed foods: I try to avoid food additives when I can.
Decay-preventing substances
- potassium sorbateAntimicrobial food preservative salt
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- nitritesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- sulfitesPreservative sulfur-based chemicals
antioxidants · antimicrobials · shelf-life · spoilage · citric acid · ascorbic acid · pickling · curing
Umami compound, abbreviated
- monosodium glutamateFlavor-boosting food additive
- artificial flavorsChemically synthesized taste compounds
- natural flavorsFood-derived taste compounds
- sweetenersSubstances adding sweetness
aspartame · saccharin · sucralose · stevia · flavor enhancers · umami · salt · high-fructose corn syrup
Agents binding immiscible liquids
- stabilizersMechanisms ensuring steadiness
- thickenersSubstances increasing viscosity
- lecithinNatural emulsifying compound
- xanthan gumMicrobial-derived food thickener
guar gum · pectin · gelatin · agar · cellulose · modified starch · mouthfeel · viscosity
Plant-derived food colorant
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
- paprikaGround dried pepper
- beet juiceLiquid from a root vegetable
- carmineDeep red from insects
cochineal · tartrazine · titanium dioxide · synthetic dyes · saffron · chlorophyll · appearance · visual appeal
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- ironElement twenty-six
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
folic acid · vitamin D · iodine · zinc · omega-3 · fiber · enrichment · supplements
U.S. health regulator
- labelingAssigning identifying markers
- safetyFreedom from harm
- approvalFavorable opinion given
- testingExamining to evaluate
banned · carcinogenic · allergenic · compliance · standards · restrictions · limits · disclosure
preservatives
Decay-preventing substances
- potassium sorbateAntimicrobial food preservative salt
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- nitritesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
sulfites · antioxidants · antimicrobials · shelf-life · spoilage · citric acid · ascorbic acid · pickling · curing · smoking
MSG
Umami compound, abbreviated
- monosodium glutamateFlavor-boosting food additive
- artificial flavorsChemically synthesized taste compounds
- natural flavorsFood-derived taste compounds
sweeteners · aspartame · saccharin · sucralose · stevia · flavor enhancers · umami · salt · high-fructose corn syrup · vanillin
emulsifiers
Agents binding immiscible liquids
- stabilizersMechanisms ensuring steadiness
- thickenersSubstances increasing viscosity
- lecithinNatural emulsifying compound
xanthan gum · guar gum · pectin · gelatin · agar · cellulose · modified starch · mouthfeel · viscosity · binding
annatto
Plant-derived food colorant
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
- paprikaGround dried pepper
- beet juiceLiquid from a root vegetable
carmine · cochineal · tartrazine · titanium dioxide · synthetic dyes · saffron · chlorophyll · appearance · visual appeal · pigments
fortification
Strengthening defenses or nutrients
calcium · folic acid · vitamin D · iodine · zinc · omega-3 · fiber · enrichment · supplements · niacin
FDA
U.S. health regulator
testing · banned · carcinogenic · allergenic · compliance · standards · restrictions · limits · disclosure · ingredients list
food-additivesclean eating
Unprocessed, natural diet
farm-to-table · slow food · traditional cooking · ancestral diet · Paleo diet
food, foods, foodie, foodies, foodstuff, foodstuffs, additive, additives, add