In today’s world, food additives are everywhere. They are used to preserve food, improve its taste, and make it more visually appealing. However, not all food additives are created equal. Some have been linked to health problems, such as cancer, obesity, and hyperactivity.
That’s why we’ve launched the #LabelWise campaign, a series of articles that will educate readers about the different food additives and their health impact.
In each article about food additives – links below, we will provide a comprehensive overview of a specific food additive, including its common names, uses, and potential health risks.
By the end of this series, you will be able to make informed decisions about the food you eat and reduce your exposure to harmful food additives.
Here are the published articles about food additives on Smart Eating habits:
- Sodium Nitrate (E251): The Dangerous Additive Lurking in Your Food
- MSG (Monosodium glutamate – E621): Understanding the Risks of This Widely Used Food Additive
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Unveiling the “Sweet” Truth
- Sodium Benzoate (E211): Decoding its Risks and Exploring Clean Food Alternatives
- Red 40 (E129) Food Additive: the Hidden Dangers of an Artificial Food Coloring
- Sodium Nitrite (E250): The Hidden Culprit Lurking in Your Food
- Guar Gum (E412): Unraveling the Secrets of this Common Food Additive
- Tartrazine (Yellow #5 or E102): Understanding the Additive, Health Impacts, and Healthier Alternatives
- Potassium Nitrate (E252): Uses, Risks, and Controversies in Food and Beyond
- Sunset Yellow (E110): Unveiling the Golden Dye Food Additive and Its Impact on Health
- E1518 – Glycerol Triacetate: Potential Health Risks of This Food Additive
We will update this list each time we publish a new article, so be sure to check back often for the latest information – you can bookmark this article and check it at a weekly basis.
The main categories of Food additives are:
- Preservatives: Prevent food from spoiling by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
- Antioxidants: Extend the shelf life of food by preventing it from oxidizing.
- Emulsifiers: Allow oil and water to mix together, which is necessary for many food products, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing.
- Thickeners and gelling agents: Improve the texture of food by making it thicker or more solid.
- Stabilisers and firming agents: Keep food from separating or becoming soft.
- Acidulants: Add acidity to food, which can enhance flavor and improve preservation.
- Sweeteners: Add sweetness to food without the calories of sugar.
- Colorants: Add color to food to make it more visually appealing.
- Flavourings: Add flavor to food or enhance existing flavors.
See also the post: Banned Food Additives Around the World, to make sure you avoid these harmful additives that are banned in some countries.
Updated: 23 November 2023
