Food uses chemicals and additives to make sure that what you eat is free from pathogens, safe to eat, and appetizing.
You don’t have to go to a chemistry lab to learn about types of food chemicals and additives. You can learn about them in your kitchen.
You probably have a chemistry set around your house. Yup! It’s your pantry.
Preservatives
Preservatives are food additives that help to increase the shelf life of food. They inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold and help to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Common food preservatives include nitrites, sulfites, propionates, benzoates, and sorbates. Nitrites and sulfites are used to prevent the growth of bacteria, while propionates and benzoates are used to control mold and yeast growth. Sorbates also act as a mild preservative, primarily used in cheese, meats, baked goods, and jellies.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals in food that help protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage or break down proteins, lipids, and DNA in the body, leading to a variety of diseases and conditions.
The most common antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols. These substances help the body defend itself against free radicals, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases.
Coloring Agent
A coloring agent is a type of chemical or additive used in food to create a desired food color. This can include natural colors such as carmine or annatto, as well as synthetic dyes derived from petroleum, such as FD&C Red No. 40.
Coloring agents have been extensively used since the advent of mass-produced food products, allowing food manufacturers to produce more consistent, colorful products.
Thickeners and Stabilizers
Thickeners and stabilizers are common food chemicals and additives used to add texture, improve quality and extend shelf life. They are typically used in sauces, yogurts, ice cream, jams, and other food items.
Thickeners improve the viscosity and texture of foods. Common thickeners used in the food industry include corn starch, agar-agar, carrageenan, methylcellulose, alginate, and gelatin. Stabilizers improve product stability and prevent the separation of the ingredients.
Raising Agent
Raising agents are food chemicals and additives used in baking to produce a light and airy texture. These agents chemically act to produce gas and heat, which causes the dough to rise and creates air pockets. The two common types of food-raising agents are baking powder and baking soda.
Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, an acidifying agent, and a dried starch or flour to act as an inert filler. Baking soda is a type of sodium bicarbonate which is a pure chemical compound made from sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are common food additives that have been used for centuries, both to enhance flavor and to preserve food. There are many types of sweeteners; the most familiar are sugar, honey, and corn syrup, which are natural sources of sweetness.
Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame, and saccharin, are also a popular choice for adding sweetness to foods. Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, are also used as sweeteners because they provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. Read more on this site about food chemicals.
Learn About The Different Types of Food Chemicals
It is important to be informed about the types of food chemicals and additives that are added to food, as some can be potentially harmful. Knowing about the various food additives can help people make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming food.
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