Category: Additives

As one of the first artificial preservatives approved by the FDA, sodium benzoate is widely used across the food and beverage industry to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. This crystalline powder is a crucial tool for inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes, but its function is highly dependent on the product's acidity. Understanding exactly how is sodium benzoate used as a preservative reveals its precise and targeted action against spoilage organisms.

Over 90% of processed foods and beverages utilize preservatives to ensure safety and extend shelf life. The question, 'is sodium benzoate a preservative,' can be answered with a firm true, as it is one of the most widely used chemical preservatives in the industry.

According to the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), up to 1% of a tequila's total weight can consist of additives without needing disclosure. In this landscape of hidden ingredients, understanding the purity of a brand like Del Dia becomes crucial, and the question, is Del Dia tequila additive free? is a valid one for discerning drinkers.

Sodium benzoate, a widely used food additive, has been employed for over a century to keep food safe and fresh. This common preservative prevents spoilage by disrupting the metabolic processes of harmful microorganisms like yeast and mold, a mechanism that is most effective under specific pH conditions.

According to the Institute of Food Technologists, phosphoric acid helps create the crisp, tangy flavor profile found in many soft drinks. But beyond just taste, why do dark sodas have phosphoric acid and what other purposes does this common ingredient serve in the beverage industry?

Discovered in the 1970s, gellan gum, or gelling agent 418, was first approved for use in food in Japan in 1988. This versatile polysaccharide has since become a staple in modern food production for its impressive stabilizing and gelling properties, often replacing animal-derived gelatin.

With a database containing millions of food and cosmetic products, the Yuka app helps consumers evaluate ingredient safety. For those trying to avoid specific additives, a common question arises: "Does the Yuka app check for dyes?" The answer is yes, as the app identifies and flags artificial and natural colorants in its comprehensive ingredient analysis.

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, most food gums are generally recognized as safe for consumption in small, specified amounts. However, growing consumer scrutiny and reports of digestive discomfort have led many to question the safety of these widespread additives.

Over 60 additives are legally permitted in American winemaking, many of which are commonly used to craft inexpensive bottles of wine. Unlike high-quality vintages that rely on superior grapes and traditional techniques, cheap wine often contains a cocktail of hidden ingredients designed to cut costs and achieve a predictable, market-friendly flavor profile.

The average person consumes approximately 13 grams of glutamate each day from food proteins, while only an estimated 0.55 grams comes from added MSG. This highlights a common misconception: is glutamic acid the same as MSG? While they are chemically related, their forms and applications differ significantly in the culinary world.