Food additives are substances added to food or supplement products to extend their shelf life, preserve flavor, and appearance, and enhance their taste.
There are various types of food additives and some additives show more effect on preserving foods than others. We have listed some common categories of food additives.
1. Preservatives
Preservatives are used to inhibit or prevent food spoilage that happens due to microorganisms. Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, lactic acid, etc. are used in food processing such as preserves and jams. Food additives are mostly used in meats and the most common are in bacon, ham, fish, and sausage.
2. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are similar to preservatives and they are helpful in extending the shelf life of foods by inhibiting the degradation of food by oxygen. One of the common antioxidants is Vitamin C. It can go with pretty much anything and can add a nice citrus taste to whatever it is coupled with.
3. Coloring Agent
Coloring agents are helpful in changing the appearance of food and increasing the appeal. Commonly used synthetic pigments include amaranth, carmine, indigo, lemon yellow, etc.
4. Stabilizers and Thickeners
Thickeners in food additives can stabilize or improve the physical properties of cold foods and drinks and make them appear smooth and decadent. The thickeners and stabilizers help maintain ice cream and other frozen foods to a loose and soft structure for a long periods of time.
5. Raising Agent
Some chocolates and candies include raising agents that promotes the carbon dioxide production from sugar thereby playing the role of leavening. Ammonium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, are some of the commonly used leavening agents.
6. Sweeteners
The purpose of sweeteners is to increase sweetness. Some of the commonly used synthetic sweeteners are sodium cyclamate, sodium saccharin, etc. In the natural food industry sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and sucralose are used.
7. Sour Agent
Sour agents are used to adjust and improve the fragrance effect. Commonly used sour agents are tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and so on.
8. Spices
There are natural and synthetic flavors in spices. Various flavors are used in the snacks to give the unique taste that customers love.
9. Bleaching Agent
Bleaching agents are used to prevent the discoloration of the natural color of food. In addition to the bleaching effects, it also contains antiseptic effects.
10. Color retention agent:
During food processing, color retention agents are added to the food to prevent the color from changing or fading.
These are some of the common food additives that can be found for you next project by using the number one food and ingredient manufacturing directory. Find a range of food ingredients including flavors, spices, and more at Excesa.