Food Additives

Food additives appear everywhere, and you'll find them on the ingredient labels of many of the foods that you eat. Some are naturally occurring compounds, others are chemically synthesized, an1d all work to (theoretically) improve the quality of our foods.

We trust the government to do its part in regulating the safety of these compounds, but sometimes we'd just like to know what it is that we're eating, and why it's there. To that end, here is an extensive listing of individual additives and identification of their known usage. Following this table is a glossary of food additive terminology.

 





Individual Food Additives (alphabetical listing)





Food Additive Known Usage





1,1,2-Trichlorotrifluoroethane Extraction Solvent





1,3-Butylene Glycol Flavoring Adjunct or Adjuvant, Solubilizer, Solvent, Vehicle





1-Decanol, Natural Flavoring Agent





1-Octanol, Natural Flavoring Agent





1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate Flavoring Agent





1-Octen-3-Yl Butyrate Flavoring Agent





10-Undecenal Flavoring Agent





2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2,3-Dimethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2,3-Pentanedione Flavoring Agent





2,4,5-Trimethylpyrazine -3-Oxazoline Flavoring Agent





2,5-Dimethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2,5-Dimethypyrrole Flavoring Agent





2,6-Dimethyl-5-Heptenal Flavoring Agent





2,6-Dimethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2-Acetylpyrrole Flavoring Agent





2-Ethyl Fenchol Flavoring Agent





2-Ethyl-3,5(6)-Dimethylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2-Ethylbutyraldehyde Flavoring Agent





2-Ethylbutyric Acid Flavoring Agent





2-Heptanone Flavoring Agent





2-Methoxy-3(5)-Methylpyrazine Flavoring Agent





2-Methoxypyrazine Flavoring Agent





2-Methylbutyl Isovalerate Flavoring Agent





2-Methylundecanal Flavoring Agent





2-Nitropropane Extraction Solvent





2-Pentanone Flavoring Agent





2-Phenethyl-2-Methylbutyrate Flavoring Agent





2-Phenylpropionaldehyde Flavoring Agent





2-Phenylpropionaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal Flavoring Agent





2-Triidecenal Flavoring Agent





2-Undecenol Flavoring Agent





20Butanone Flavoring Agent





3,7-Dimethyl-1-Octanol Flavoring Agent





3-Acetyl-2,5-Dimethyl Furan Flavoring Agent





3-Acetylpyridine Flavoring Agent





3-Heptanone Flavoring Agent





3-Octanol Flavoring Agent





3-Octyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





3-Phenyl-1-Propanol Flavoring Agent





3-Phenylpropionaldehyde Flavoring Agent





3-Phenylpropyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





4'-Methyl Acetophenone Flavoring Agent





4-Methyl-2-Pentanone Flavoring Agent





5'-Guanylic Acid Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier





5'-Inosinic Acid Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier





5-Methyl-2-Isopropyl-2-Hexenal Flavoring Agent





6-Hydroxy-3,7-Dimethyloctanoic Acid Lactone Flavoring Agent





6-Methyl Coumarin Flavoring Agent





6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One Flavoring Agent





Acacia Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Acesulfame Potassium Sweetening Agent





Acetaldehyde Flavoring Agent





Acetanisole Flavoring Agent





Acetic Acid, Glacial Acid, Acidifier, Flavoring Agent





Acetic and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Whipping Agent





Acetion Acetophenone Flavoring Agent





Acetone Extraction Solvent, Solubilizer, Solvent, Vehicle





Acetone Peroxides Bleaching Agent, Dough Conditioner, Flour Treatment Agent, Maturing Agent, Oxidizing Agent





Acetylated Distarch Adipate Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener





Acetylated Distarch Phosphate Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Acetylated Monoglycerides Antisticking Agent, Coating Agent, Emulsifier, Film Former, Foaming Agent, Glaze, Lubricant, Polish, Release Agent, Solubilizer, Solvent, Surface-Finishing Agent, Texture-Modifying Agent, Texturizer, Vehicle, Whipping Agent





Acid Treated Starch Binder, Filler, Gelling Agent, Plasticizer, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener





Activated Carbon Decolorizing Agent, Odor Removing Agent, Taste Removing Agent





Adipic Acid Buffer, Neutralizing Agent





Agar Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Alginic Acid Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Alkaline Treated Starch Binder, Filler, Gelling Agent, Plasticizer, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener





Allura Red Ac Color





Allyl alpha-Ionone Flavoring Agent





Allyl Cyclohexanepropionate Flavoring Agent





Allyl Heptanoate Flavoring Agent





Allyl Hexanoate Flavoring Agent





Allyl Isothiocyanate Flavoring Agent





Allyl Isovalerate Flavoring Agent





Allyl Tiglate Flavoring Agent





Almond Oil, Bitter, FFPA Flavoring Agent





alpha-Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde Dimethyl Acetal Flavoring Agent





alpha-Amyl Cinnamyl Alcohol Flavoring Agent





alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus Oryzae) Enzyme





alpha-Amylase (Bacillus Megaterium) Expressed in Bacillus Subtilis Enzyme





alpha-Amylase (Bacillus Stearothermophilus) Enzyme





alpha-Amylase (Bacillus Stearothermophilus) Expressed in Bacillus Subtilis Enzyme





alpha-Amylase (Bacillus Subtilis) Enzyme





alpha-Amylase and Glucoamylase (Aspergillus Oryzae) Enzyme





alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Ionone Flavoring Agent





alpha-Methyl Cinnamic Aldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol Flavoring Agent





alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde Flavoring Agent





alpha-Phellandrene Flavoring Agent





alpha-Pinene Flavoring Agent





alpha-Terpinene Flavoring Agent





Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate Color Fixative, Firming Agent





Aluminum Potassium Sulfate Buffer, Firming Agent, Neutralizing Agent





Aluminum Powder Color





Aluminum Silicate Anticaking Agent, Drying Agent





Aluminum Sodium Sulfate Buffer, Firming Agent, Neutralizing Agent





Aluminum Sulfate Firming Agent





Aluminun Ammonium Sulfate Buffer, Neutralizing Agent





Amaranth Color





Ambrette Seed Oil Flavoring Agent





Ammonium Adipate Buffer, Neutralizing Agent





Ammonium Alginate Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Ammonium Bicarbonate Alkali, Leavening Agent





Ammonium Carbonate Buffer, General Purpose Additive, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent





Ammonium Chloride Dough Conditioner, Yeast Food





Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate Buffer, Dough Conditioner, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent





Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate Alkali, Leavening Agent





Ammonium Hydroxide Alkali





Ammonium Persulfate Flour Treatment Agent





Ammonium Phosphate, Dibasic Buffer, Dough Conditioner, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Yeast Food





Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic Buffer, Dough Conditioner, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Yeast Food





Ammonium Saccharin Nonnutritive Sweetener, Sugar Substitute





Ammonium Salts of Phosphatidic Acid Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Whipping Agent





Ammonium Sulfate Dough Conditioner, General Purpose Additive, Yeast Food





Amyl Acetate Carrier Solvent, Flavoring Agent





Amyl Cinnamate Flavoring Agent





Amyl Octanoate Flavoring Agent





Amyl Propionate Flavoring Agent





Amyloglucosidases (Aspergillus Niger Var.) Enzyme





Amyris Oil, West Indian Type Flavoring Agent





Anethole Flavoring Agent





Angelica Root Oil Flavoring Agent





Anise Oil Flavoring Agent





Anisole Flavoring Agent





Anisyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Anisyl Alcohol Flavoring Agent





Anisylacetone Flavoring Agent





Annatto Extracts Color





Anoxomer Antioxidant





Ascorbic Acid Antioxidant, Dietary Supplement, Nutrient, Preservative





Ascorbyl Palmitate Antioxidant





Ascorbyl Stearate Antioxidant





Aspartame Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier, Nonnutritive Sweetener, Sugar Substitute, Sweetening Agent





Avian Pepsin Enzyme





Azodicarbonamide Flour Treatment Agent, Maturing Agent





Azorubine Color





Balsam Peru Oil Flavoring Agent





Basil Oil, Comoros Type Flavoring Agent





Basil Oil, European Type Flavoring Agent





Bay Oil Flavoring Agent





Beeswax, White Coating Agent, Film Former, Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Glaze, Polish, Surface-Finishing Agent





Beeswax, Yellow Coating Agent, Film Former, Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Glaze, Polish, Surface-Finishing Agent





Beet Red Color





Bennzoic Acid Antimicrobial Agent, Preservative





Benzaldehyde Flavoring Agent





Benzoic Acid Preservative





Benzoin Gum Flavoring Agent





Benzophenone Flavoring Agent





Benzoyl Peroxide Bleaching Agent, Oxidizing Agent





Benzyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Alcohol Carrier Solvent, Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Bezoate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Butyrate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Cinnamate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Isobutyl Carbinol Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Isobutyrate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Isoeugenyl Ether Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Isovalerate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Phenylacetate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Propionate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Salicylate Flavoring Agent





Benzyl Utyl Ether Flavoring Agent





Bergamot Oil, Expressed Flavoring Agent





beta-Apo-8'-Carotenal Color





beta-Apo-8'-Carotenoic Acid, Ethyl Ester Color





beta-Caritebe (Synthetic) Color





beta-Carotene Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





beta-Caryophyllene Flavoring Agent





beta-Glucanase (Aspergillus Niger, Var.) Enzyme





beta-Glucanase (Trichoderma Harzianum) Enzyme





beta-Ionone Flavoring Agent





beta-Pinene Flavoring Agent





BHA Antioxidant





BHT Antioxidant





Biotin Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Birch Tar Oil, Rectified Flavoring Agent





Black Pepper Oil Flavoring Agent





Blackcurrant Extract Color





Bleached Starch Binder, Filler, Gelling Agent, Plasticizer, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener





Bois De Rose Oil Flavoring Agent





Bone Phosphate Anticaking Agent, Drying Agent, Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Humectant, Moisture-Retaining Agent, Whipping Agent





Bornyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Brilliant Black Pn Color





Brilliant Blue FCF Color





Bromelain Enzyme





Brominated Vegetable Oil Cloud Producing Agent, Flavoring Adjunct or Adjuvant, Flavoring Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent





Brown FK Color





Brown HT Color





Butadiene-Styrene 50/50 Rubber Chewing Gum Base Component





Butadiene-Styrene 75/25 Rubber Chewing Gum Base Component





Butan-1-Ol Extraction Solvent, Flavoring Agent





Butan-2-Ol Extraction Solvent, Flavoring Agent





Butan-3-One-2-Yl Butyrate Flavoring Agent





Butane-1,3-Diol Carrier Solvent





Butyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Butyl Alcohol Flavoring Agent





Butyl Butyrate Flavoring Agent





Butyl Butyryllactate Flavoring Agent





Butyl Isobutyrate Flavoring Agent





Butyl P-Hydroxybenzoate Antimicrobial Agent, Preservative





Butylated Hydroxyanisole Antioxidant





Butylated Hydroxymethylphenol Antioxidant





Butylated Hydroxytoluene Antioxidant





Butyraldehyde Flavoring Agent





Butyric Acid Flavoring Agent





Caffeine Flavoring Agent





Calcium 5'-Guanylate Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier





Calcium 5'-Inosinate Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier





Calcium 5'-Ribonucleotides Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier





Calcium Acetate Antimold Agent, Antirope Agent, Buffer, Neutralizing Agent, Sequestrant, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent





Calcium Alginate Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Calcium Aluminum Silicate Anticaking Agent, Drying Agent





Calcium Ascorbate Antioxidant





Calcium Benzoate Antimicrobial Agent, Preservative





Calcium Bromate Dough Conditioner, Maturing Agent





Calcium Carbonate Alkali, Anticaking Agent, Dietary Supplement, Dough Conditioner, Drying Agent, Firming Agent, Nutrient, Yeast Food





Calcium Chloride Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Sequestrant





Calcium Chloride Solution Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Sequestrant





Calcium Chloride, Anhydrous Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Sequestrant





Calcium Citrate Buffer, Firming Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Sequestrant





Calcium Cyclamates Sweetening Agent





Calcium Di-L-Glutamate Flavor Enhancer, Intensifier, Salt Substitute





Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate Buffer, Firming Agent, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Texture-Modifying Agent, Texturizer





Calcium Disodium EDTA Preservative, Sequestrant





Calcium Disodium Ethylenediamine-Tetraacetate Antioxidant Synergist, Preservative, Sequestrant





Calcium DL-Malate Buffer, Neutralizing Agent, Seasoning Agent





Calcium Ferrocyanide Anticaking Agent, Drying Agent





Calcium Gluconate Buffer, Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Neutralizing Agent, Sequestrant





Calcium Glycerophosphate Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Calcium Hydrogen Sulfite Firming Agent, Preservative





Calcium Hydroxide Buffer, Firming Agent, General Purpose Additive, Neutralizing Agent





Calcium Iodate Dough Conditioner, Flour Treatment Agent





Calcium Lacate Dough Conditioner





Calcium Lactate Buffer, Neutralizing Agent, Yeast Food





Calcium Lactobionate Firming Agent





Calcium Monohydrogen Phosphate Dough Conditioner, Yeast Food





Calcium Oxide Alkali, Dietary Supplement, Dough Conditioner, Nutrient, Yeast Food





Calcium Pantothenate Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Calcium Pantothenate, Calcium Chloride Double Salt Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Calcium Pantothenate, Racemic Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Calcium Peroxide Bleaching Agent, Dough Conditioner, Flour Treatment Agent, Oxidizing Agent





Calcium Phosphate, Dibasic Dietary Supplement, Dough Conditioner, Nutrient, Yeast Food





Calcium Phosphate, Monobasic Buffer, Dietary Supplement, Dough Conditioner, Firming Agent, Leavening Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Nutrient, Sequestrant, Yeast Food





Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic Anticaking Agent, Buffer, Dietary Supplement, Drying Agent, Neutralizing Agent, Nutrient





Calcium Polyphosphates Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Humectant, Moisture-Retaining Agent, Sequestrant, Texture-Modifying Agent, Texturizer, Whipping Agent





Calcium Propionate Antimold Agent, Antirope Agent, Preservative





Calcium Pyrophosphate Buffer, Dietary Supplement, Neutralizing Agent, Nutrient





Calcium Saccharin Nonnutritive Sweetener, Sugar Substitute, Sweetening Agent





Calcium Silicate Anticaking Agent, Drying Agent, Filter Aid





Calcium Sorbate Antimicrobial Agent, Fungistatic Agent, Preservative





Calcium Stearate Anticaking Agent, Binder, Drying Agent, Emulsifier, Filler, Foaming Agent, Plasticizer, Whipping Agent





Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate Dough Conditioner, Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Whipping Agent





Calcium Sulfate Dietary Supplement, Dough Conditioner, Firming Agent, Nutrient, Sequestrant, Yeast Food





Calciumiodate Maturing Agent





Camphene Flavoring Agent





Cananga Oil Flavoring Agent





Candelilla Wax Chewing Gum Base Component, Coating Agent, Film Former, Glaze, Polish, Surface-Finishing Agent





Canthaxanthin Color





Caramel Color I (Plain) Color





Caramel Color II (Caustic Sulfite Process) Color





Caramel Colors Color





Caraway Oil Flavoring Agent





Carbohydrase (Aspergillus Nigar Var. Awamori) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Aspergillus Niger Var.) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Aspergillus Oryzae Var.) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Bacillus Licheniformis) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Rhizopus Oryzae Var.) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Saccharoomyces Species) Enzyme





Carbohydrase (Trichoderms Reesei Var.) Enzyme





Carbohydrase and Protease, Mixed (Bacillus Licheniformis) Enzyme





Carbohydrase and Protease, Mixed (Bacillus Subtilis) Enzyme





Carbon Dioxide Carbonating Agent, Extraction Solvent, Packing Gas





Cardamom Oil Flavoring Agent





Carmines Color





Carnauba Wax Coating Agent, Film Former, Glaze, Polish, Surface-Finishing Agent





Carob Bean Gum Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener





Carotenes (Algae) Color





Carotenes (Vegetable) Color





Carotenoids, Mixed Color





Carrageenan Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent, Thickener, Whipping Agent





Carrot Seed Oil Flavoring Agent





Carthamus Red Color





Carthamus Yellow Color





Carvacrol Flavoring Agent





Cascarilla Oil Flavoring Agent





Cassia Oil Flavoring Agent





Castor Oil Antisticking Agent, Carrier Solvent, Coating Agent, Film Former, Glaze, Lubricant, Polish, Release Agent, Surface-Finishing Agent





Catalase Enzyme





Catalase (Aspergillus Niger Var.) Enzyme





Catalase (Micrococcus Lysodeikticus) Enzyme





Cedar Leaf Oil Flavoring Agent





Celery Seed Oil Flavoring Agent





Cellulase (Penicillium Funiculosum) Enzyme





Cellulase (Tricoderma Reesei) Enzyme





Cellulose, Microcrystalline Anticaking Agent, Binder, Carrier, Disintegrating Agent, Dispersing Agent, Drying Agent, Filler, Formulation Aid, Plasticizer, Tableting Aid





Cellulose, Powdered Anticaking Agent, Binder, Bodying Agent, Bulking Agent, Carrier, Disintegrating Agent, Dispersing Agent, Drying Agent, Filler, Filter Aid, Formulation Aid, Gelling Agent, Plasticizer, Tableting Aid, Texture-Modifying Agent, Texturizer, Thickener





Chamomile Oil, English Type Flavoring Agent





Chamomile Oil, German Type Flavoring Agent





Chlorine Antimicrobial Agent, Bleaching Agent, Flour Treatment Agent, Oxidizing Agent, Preservative





Chlorine Dioxide Flour Treatment Agent





Chlorophyllins, Copper Complexes, Sodium and Potassium Salts Color





Chlorophylls Color





Chlorophylls, Copper Complexes Color





Cholic Acid Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Whipping Agent





Choline Bitartrate Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Choline Chloride Dietary Supplement, Nutrient





Chymosin a (Escherichia Coli K-12 Containing Prochymosin a Gene) Enzyme





Chymosin B (Aspergillus Niger Var. Awamori Containing Prochymosin B Gene) Enzyme





Chymosin B (Kluyveromyces Lactis Containing the Prochymosin B Gene) Enzyme





Cinnamaldehyde Flavoring Agent





Cinnamic Acid Flavoring Agent





Cinnamon Bark Oil, Ceylon Type Flavoring Agent





Cinnamon Leaf Oil Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Alcohol, Synthetic Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Anthranilate Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Formate Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Isovalerate Flavoring Agent





Cinnamyl Propionate Flavoring Agent





Cis-3-Hexen-1-Ol Flavoring Agent





Cis-3-Hexenyl 2-Methylbutyrate Flavoring Agent





Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate Flavoring Agent





Cis-3-Octen-1-Ol Flavoring Agent





Cis-4-Hepten-1-Al Flavoring Agent





Cis-6-Nonen-1-Ol Flavoring Agent





Citral Flavoring Agent





Citranaxanthin Color





Citric Acid Acid, Acidifier, Antioxidant, Carrier, Disintegrating Agent, Dispersing Agent, Flavoring Agent, Formulation Aid, Sequestrant, Tableting Aid





Citric and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol Emulsifier, Foaming Agent, Sequestrant, Whipping Agent





Citronellal Flavoring Agent





Citronellol Flavoring Agent





Citronellyl Acetate Flavoring Agent





Citronellyl Butyrate Flavoring Agent





Citronellyl Formate Flavoring Agent