food additive
Ingredient label chemical
A food additive is a substance added to food during processing to preserve freshness, enhance flavor, improve texture, or alter appearance.
Salt and sugar are ancient additives; modern ones include emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives like sodium benzoate.
The label listed several food additives I couldn't pronounce.
Antimicrobial food preservative salt
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- nitritesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- ascorbic acidEssential dietary nutrient
- citric acidTart organic compound
sulfites · shelf life · antimicrobial · freshness · expiration · rancidity · spoilage
Microbial-derived food thickener
- guar gumSeed-based thickening agent
- pectinFruit-based setting substance
- lecithinNatural emulsifying compound
- gelatinCollagen-derived thickening protein
agar · modified starch · cornstarch · maltodextrin · locust bean gum · emulsifier · stabilizer · thickener
Artificial low-calorie sweetener
- saccharinCalorie-free synthetic sweetener
- sucraloseArtificial zero-calorie sweetener
- steviaPlant-derived sugar alternative
- xylitolLow-calorie sugar replacement
sorbitol · erythritol · maltitol · high fructose corn syrup · corn syrup · dextrose · maltodextrin · monk fruit
Synthetic yellow food additive
- carmineDeep red from insects
- annattoPlant-derived food colorant
- beet juiceLiquid from a root vegetable
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
titanium dioxide · chlorophyll · saffron · cochineal · synthetic dye · pigment · hue · vibrancy
Umami compound, abbreviated
- vanillinAromatic aldehyde from beans
- monosodium glutamateFlavor-boosting food additive
- rose waterDistilled flower essence
- smoke flavoringCondensed wood combustion extract
citrus oil · almond extract · liquid smoke · natural flavors · artificial flavors · essence · menthol · cocoa powder
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- ironElement twenty-six
- zincElement thirty
folic acid · vitamin D · vitamin B12 · iodine · omega-3 · DHA · fiber · probiotics
potassium sorbate
Antimicrobial food preservative salt
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- nitritesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
- ascorbic acidEssential dietary nutrient
citric acid · sulfites · shelf life · antimicrobial · freshness · expiration · rancidity · spoilage
xanthan gum
Microbial-derived food thickener
- guar gumSeed-based thickening agent
- pectinFruit-based setting substance
- lecithinNatural emulsifying compound
gelatin · agar · modified starch · cornstarch · maltodextrin · locust bean gum · emulsifier · stabilizer · thickener · mouthfeel
aspartame
Artificial low-calorie sweetener
- saccharinCalorie-free synthetic sweetener
- sucraloseArtificial zero-calorie sweetener
- steviaPlant-derived sugar alternative
xylitol · sorbitol · erythritol · maltitol · high fructose corn syrup · corn syrup · dextrose · maltodextrin · monk fruit · sugar substitute
tartrazine
Synthetic yellow food additive
- carmineDeep red from insects
- annattoPlant-derived food colorant
- beet juiceLiquid from a root vegetable
turmeric · titanium dioxide · chlorophyll · saffron · cochineal · synthetic dye · pigment · hue · vibrancy · appearance
MSG
Umami compound, abbreviated
- vanillinAromatic aldehyde from beans
- monosodium glutamateFlavor-boosting food additive
- rose waterDistilled flower essence
citrus oil · almond extract · smoke flavoring · liquid smoke · natural flavors · artificial flavors · essence · menthol · cocoa powder · cheese powder
vitamins
Essential organic nutrients
zinc · folic acid · vitamin D · vitamin B12 · iodine · omega-3 · DHA · fiber · probiotics · protein isolate
food, edible, foods, additive, additives, foodstuff, food additives, ingestible