What are common food additives

Food additives are substances added to food products during processing or preparation to enhance their appearance, flavor, texture, shelf life, or safety. Here are some common food additives:

1. Preservatives: Preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are added to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of food products.

2. Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are used as sugar substitutes to provide sweetness without adding calories. Natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract are also commonly used.

3. Colorants: Food colorants like tartrazine (Yellow 5), Allura Red (Red 40), and caramel color are added to enhance or restore the color of food products.

4. Flavor Enhancers: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common flavor enhancer used to enhance the savory taste of food. Other flavor enhancers include disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate.

5. Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers like lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, and polysorbates are used to stabilize and prevent separation of oil and water in processed food products.

6. Stabilizers and Thickeners: Stabilizers and thickeners like xanthan gum, carrageenan, and pectin are added to improve the texture, viscosity, and mouthfeel of food products.

7. Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to prevent food spoilage and rancidity caused by oxidation.

8. Anti-caking Agents: Anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide (silica) and calcium silicate are used to prevent clumping or caking of powdered or granulated food products.

9. Acidulants: Acidulants like citric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid are added to adjust acidity levels, enhance flavor, and act as preservatives in certain food and beverage products.

10. Leavening Agents: Leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda are used to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps dough and batter rise during baking.

These are just a few examples of common food additives. It's important to note that not all food additives are harmful, as they undergo rigorous safety evaluations before being approved for use. However, some individuals may be sensitive or have allergies to specific additives, so it's important to read food labels and be aware of any potential sensitivities.