FAP - The Importance of Food Additives Microlesson
The Importance of Food Additives
What additives are going into our foods?
Quick Glance: In Addition...
Additives are everywhere in our society. In the fibers in our clothes, the paint found on our cars and houses, and in the food we eat. Additives are substances that are intended to change the characteristics of our food. Usually, for the better. These additives can be used in packaging or processing and usually are already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Preservatives, color and flavor enhancers, and even antioxidants are considered additives.
Many are from natural sources and some are man-made. Additives are important in the final product for most of the food items we eat.
Explore: What Even Is That?
Do you ever catch yourself looking at food labels and trying to identify some of the items or ingredients on the package?
If so, you might be looking at ingredients that are classified as food additives. A food additive is any substance that is intended for use in a food that will affect the characteristics of the food. This can be any substance used in packaging, processing, treatment, production, and even transportation of food. The exception to this is that the food item has met pre-market approval. That process can be different depending on the market and the type of food. Usually, this does not include ingredients that are presumed safe or approved by the FDA.
Categories of Additives
There are two main categories of additives- Direct and Indirect. Click on each one to learn more.
Food Additives
Watch the presentation below to learn more about what food additives are, why they are used, and what functions they serve.
Analogs
As you can see from the presentation above, food additives are used for many different things. Whether they are direct or indirect they serve an important purpose. Another type of product that relates to additives are called analogs. They are substitute ingredients. These items are usually put in by the manufacturer and can be made from a natural source or a man-made source. Many times, manufactures will put these in to change the nutritive value, save money or even improve the taste or texture of a certain food item. A fitting example of this is using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar.
Challenge
So do you think you understand food additives? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.
Takeaway: A Healthy Sugar?
Is there a healthy option when it comes to sugar?
Some argue this question. While many of the artificial sweeteners have fewer calories, often they are chemicals. While the food industry has developed some more natural options, all of these sweeteners still trigger that “sugar” response in the brain. Currently, the FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: Saccharin, Acesulfame, Aspartame, Neotame, and Sucralose. It has also approved one natural low-calorie sweetener, Stevia. Even though they might save your calories, there are a few drawbacks-
- Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar and can make the brain access sweetness in foods differently
- They can cause headaches and upset stomachs
- Can cause a bad after taste
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