What Are Considered Food Additives

Substances that are added to food to maintain or improve the safety, freshness, taste, texture, or appearance of food are known as food additives. Some food additives have been in use for centuries for preservation – such as salt (in meats such as bacon or dried fish), sugar (in marmalade), or sulfur dioxide (in wine).

What are 5 food additives?

• Anti-caking agents – stop ingredients from becoming lumpy.
• Antioxidants – prevent foods from oxidising, or going rancid.
• Artificial sweeteners – increase the sweetness.
• Emulsifiers – stop fats from clotting together.
• Food acids – maintain the right acid level.
• Colours – enhance or add colour.

What are the most commonly used additives?

Of more than 3,000 substances used as food additives, salt, sugar, and corn syrup are by far the most widely used additives in food in the United States.