Tag: Ingredient origin

According to numerous sources and certifications, pure food-grade potassium chloride is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. This common food additive and mineral supplement, often used as a salt substitute, is derived from natural, non-animal sources, primarily mineral deposits and saline waters.

Approximately 60-70% of all dyes used in the food industry are synthetic azo dyes like tartrazine. Where is tartrazine derived from? It is a synthetic lemon-yellow food coloring produced through chemical reactions using petroleum-based raw materials. This contrasts sharply with dyes from natural sources such as plants or minerals.

Despite common assumptions, the stevia plant is not native to China, but rather to South America, specifically Paraguay and Brazil. The widespread misconception that all stevia comes from China overlooks the sweetener's deep historical roots and diversified modern supply chain, which includes production from multiple countries across the globe.

E631, or disodium inosinate, is a flavor enhancer that is produced either from animal-based sources like fish and meat or from plant-based sources via fermentation. The vegetarian status of Lay's products containing this ingredient, therefore, is not universal and depends on the specific region of manufacture and product line.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in cereal grains like wheat, barley, and rye, a fact that is often surprising to many skincare users. However, commercially available azelaic acid for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is almost always produced synthetically to ensure high purity and stability. This synthetic process overcomes the limitations of extracting small, inconsistent amounts from natural sources.

The simple red spice in your kitchen, paprika, is surprisingly misunderstood by many home cooks. Despite its similar color, does paprika have tomatoes in it? The definitive answer is no; paprika is a ground spice derived exclusively from various types of dried peppers from the *Capsicum annuum* plant family, which does not include tomatoes.

Approximately 78% of US vitamin imports originate from China, according to the American Feed Industry Association. The question, 'Do supplements come from China?' involves a complex global supply chain where ingredients can be sourced from one country and the final product manufactured in another.

While sodium diacetate is composed of naturally derived components, its commercial production classifies it as a synthetic product. A white, crystalline powder, it is widely used in the food industry as both a preservative and a flavor enhancer. But is sodium diacetate natural or artificial, and what does this distinction mean for your food?

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a significant number of insects are processed to create certain food colorings, a practice dating back centuries. This fact prompts a critical question for many consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions: is E120 vegetarian?

Since at least 2009, Shaklee has maintained operations, including manufacturing facilities, in Beijing to serve the Chinese market. This fact has led to frequent questions from consumers, asking, "Is Shaklee made in China?", which requires understanding the company's different global strategies.