I know what you’re thinking- there are at least a dozen words listed on this food label that I can’t even pronounce, let alone tell what they are! Not to worry, today we'll go through the food label and reveal important details about the ingredients and additives. This information can help you make informed decisions about the foods you eat.
Ingredients are a key part of what makes your favorite foods what they are. Ingredients are listed on labels so that you can make an educated food choice about what you're eating. It's also helpful for those who have food allergies or sensitivities to help ensure they're avoiding trigger ingredients.
The ingredients list is at the bottom of all nutrition facts labels. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means the main ingredient is listed first, and the ingredient in the smallest amounts is listed last.
We can enjoy safe, flavorful, and convenient foods due to the ingredients added to foods. Food additives are ingredients that are added to a food for specific purposes. A common example of a food additive is ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin C that helps prevent bacterial overgrowth, improve shelf life, and prevent discoloration in food items.
Ingredients are added to food items to help improve palatability through:
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Texture (sweeteners, anti-caking)
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Color (dyes)
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Flavor (flavors)
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Food preservatives that help promote a longer and more stable shelf life
When you first look at the list of food additives, it can seem overwhelming. Reading the ingredients label is your best defense against potential dangers lurking in the foods you eat. You can gain the skills necessary to determine whether a food contains ingredients and fillers that are not necessary and/or harmful to your health.