Patanjali's Claim vs. Ingredient Reality
Patanjali Ayurved, and its food division, have built a strong reputation on promoting products made from 'natural' and 'Ayurvedic' ingredients. The marketing often highlights the use of whole wheat flour (atta) and the absence of refined flour (maida) and what it labels as 'artificial' additives. This positioning leads many consumers to believe that their biscuit range is entirely free of preservatives. However, the term 'artificial preservatives' can be subject to interpretation, and ingredient lists on product-specific databases tell a different story.
The Discovery of Chemical Additives
Independent food database websites, which rely on ingredient information from product packaging, have indexed several Patanjali biscuit types containing chemical additives. For instance, the ingredient list for Patanjali Doodh Biscuits and Patanjali 7Grain Digestive biscuits on Open Food Facts explicitly mentions E223, also known as Sodium Metabisulfite. This inorganic compound functions as a preservative and antioxidant, helping to extend the product's shelf life. Other products have been listed with different antioxidants, such as Tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), or E319.
This finding is crucial for consumers seeking to avoid all preservatives, regardless of whether a company classifies them as 'artificial' or not. Sodium Metabisulfite, for example, prevents discolouration and spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth. Its inclusion in a product with a stated 6-month shelf life helps maintain its freshness over time.
Why Do Manufacturers Use Preservatives?
Even with a focus on natural ingredients, manufacturers of packaged goods must address the challenge of maintaining freshness and safety over an extended shelf life. Preservatives play a critical role in preventing the growth of mould, yeast, and bacteria, which can cause spoilage or illness. Antioxidants, another form of preservative, prevent oils and fats from becoming rancid, preserving the product's flavour and texture. For a product to last up to six months, as many Patanjali biscuits are labeled to do, some form of preservation or dough conditioning is generally necessary.
Reading the Fine Print: What to Look For
For consumers, the most reliable source of information is always the ingredient list printed on the product packaging itself. Look for codes like 'INS' (International Numbering System) or 'E' numbers, which denote specific food additives. For Patanjali biscuits, this might include:
- Dough Conditioner (INS 223): As seen on Patanjali Doodh Biscuits, this refers to Sodium Metabisulfite, which serves as both a dough conditioner and a preservative/antioxidant.
- Antioxidant (INS 319): Found in some versions of their biscuits, this corresponds to Tertiary-butylhydroquinone, which prevents fat rancidity.
- Acidity Regulators: Chemicals like INS 330 (Citric Acid) can also have a preserving effect, though they are often added for flavour and pH balance.
This vigilance is the only way to be certain about the presence of specific additives, as general marketing claims can sometimes be misleading or open to interpretation. For more information on understanding food labels, visit the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) website.
Patanjali's Biscuit Additives: Claim vs. Reality
| Feature | Patanjali Marketing Claim | Actual Ingredient Findings | Implications for Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preservatives | Free from “artificial preservatives”. | Some varieties, like Doodh and 7Grain Digestive, contain Sodium Metabisulfite (E223). | The distinction between 'artificial' and 'chemical' is critical. Consumers must check labels for specific additives. |
| Flour | Uses 100% whole wheat flour (atta), no maida. | Confirmed by ingredient lists, prioritizing healthier whole grain options. | Meets the promise of avoiding refined flour, which is a key selling point for many health-conscious buyers. |
| Healthiness | Promoted as healthy and nutritious. | May contain significant levels of sugar, saturated fat, and palm oil, affecting overall nutritional score. | While some ingredients are healthy, high sugar/fat content means moderation is advised, especially for those with dietary concerns. |
| Trans Fat/Cholesterol | Zero trans fat and cholesterol-free claimed. | Confirmed on nutritional facts for many products. | This claim holds up and is a positive factor for heart health-conscious buyers. |
Conclusion: The Importance of Personal Investigation
In conclusion, while Patanjali's official marketing may highlight the absence of 'artificial preservatives' and 'maida', a closer examination of product-specific ingredient lists reveals a more nuanced reality. Certain Patanjali biscuit variants, such as Doodh and 7Grain Digestive, do contain chemical additives like Sodium Metabisulfite (E223) and Tertiary-butylhydroquinone (E319), which function as preservatives and antioxidants to ensure a longer shelf life. For the health-conscious consumer, the key takeaway is that marketing claims should be verified by scrutinizing the ingredients on the package. Understanding the purpose of food additives like E223 is crucial for making informed choices that align with one's dietary preferences and health goals.
Ultimately, consumers must rely on their own label-reading skills rather than blanket marketing statements. This proactive approach ensures that what you believe you are buying aligns with what is actually inside the product.
