A Little Info on Food Sensitivities and the Additives that May Be the Underlying Culprits

In the world of diverse culinary experiences, food additives serve as integral components, contributing to the preservation of flavors, enhancement of appearances, and extension of shelf life. Approximately 5% of the world's population has a sensitivity to one or more food additives. Whether it be sodium benzoate in a soft drink or carrageenan in a dairy alternative, comprehending the types and examples of these additives becomes imperative for individuals with sensitivities. Not all additives are bad. It's good to be aware of the different types of additives and what foods they are found. Here is a list of 19 different types of additives and the various foods that may contain them.

1. Preservatives:

• Sodium benzoate: Soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles

• Nitrites: Processed meats (e.g., bacon, hot dogs), cured meats

• Sorbic acid: Cheese, dried fruits, wine

1. Sweeteners:

• Sucrose (table sugar): Baked goods, candies, beverages

• Aspartame: Diet sodas, sugar-free products, chewing gum

• Saccharin: Sweeteners, diet foods, soft drinks

1. Emulsifiers:

• Lecithin: Chocolate, margarine, salad dressings

• Mono- and diglycerides: Baked goods, ice cream, peanut butter

• Polysorbate 80: Ice cream, salad dressings, processed foods

1. Stabilizers:

• Guar gum: Ice cream, sauces, salad dressings

• Xanthan gum: Gluten-free products, salad dressings, sauces

• Carrageenan: Dairy alternatives, processed meats, desserts

1. Colorings:

• Red 40 (Allura Red AC): Candy, beverages, desserts

• Caramel color: Colas, soy sauce, baked goods

• Titanium dioxide: Chewing gum, candies, powdered sugar

1. Flavor Enhancers:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Chinese food, processed snacks, soups

• Disodium inosinate: Savory snacks, canned soups, processed meats

• Disodium guanylate: Soups, sauces, snack foods

1. Acidulants:

• Citric acid: Beverages, candies, jams

• Tartaric acid: Baked goods, cream of tartar, candies

• Lactic acid: Pickles, dairy products, beverages

1. Antioxidants:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Fruit juices, canned fruits, cured meats

• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole): Breakfast cereals, chewing gum, processed foods

• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Cereals, snack foods, processed meats

1. Thickeners:

• Cornstarch: Soups, sauces, gravies

• Pectin: Jams, jellies, fruit preserves

• Agar-agar: Desserts, gels, vegan products

1. Anti-Caking Agents:

• Silicon dioxide: Salt, spices, powdered foods

• Calcium silicate: Table salt, dried soups, powdered foods

• Magnesium stearate: Pharmaceuticals, supplements, powdered foods

1. Humectants:

• Glycerol: Baked goods, candies, cosmetics

• Propylene glycol: Baked goods, ice cream, processed foods

• Sorbitol: Sugar-free products, candies, gum

1. Anti-Foaming Agents:

• Dimethylpolysiloxane: Fried foods (as a frying oil additive), processed foods

• Polydimethylsiloxane: Chewing gum, processed foods

• Sorbitan monostearate: Ice cream, whipped toppings, confections

1. pH Control Agents:

• Sodium citrate: Soft drinks, gelatins, ice cream

• Phosphoric acid: Colas, processed cheeses, flavored waters

• Ammonium bicarbonate: Baked goods, cookies, crackers

1. Firming Agents:

• Calcium chloride: Pickles, canned vegetables, tofu

• Calcium lactate: Cheese, canned fruits, baking powder

• Calcium gluconate: Fortified beverages, canned fruits, tofu

1. Bulking Agents:

• Microcrystalline cellulose: Baked goods, dairy products, supplements

• Maltodextrin: Salad dressings, processed snacks, beverages

• Polydextrose: Baked goods, dairy products, candies

1. Enzymes:

• Amylase: Baked goods, brewing, starch processing

• Protease: Dairy products, meat processing, brewing

• Lipase: Cheese, bakery products, supplements

1. Nutrient Additives:

• Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, Vitamin E): Fortified foods and beverages

• Minerals (e.g., Iron, Zinc): Fortified cereals, supplements, baby foods

• Amino acids: Protein supplements, sports drinks, infant formulas

1. Leavening Agents:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Baked goods, pancakes, soda bread

• Baking powder: Baked goods, pancakes, waffles

• Yeast: Bread, beer, wine

1. Glazing Agents:

• Shellac: Confectionery glazes, candies, pharmaceutical coatings

• Beeswax: Chocolates, fruits, cheese coatings

• Carnauba wax: Confectionery, coatings, pharmaceuticals

Remember, for the 5% of the population with sensitivities, navigating this landscape necessitates a vigilant examination of ingredient labels. Understanding the types and examples of food additives empowers individuals to make informed choices about their diet. In a world where culinary experiences are meant to be savored, knowing what goes into the creation of your favorite dishes is a small yet impactful step towards a healthier and more enjoyable relationship with food.