3 Ways You Can Avoid Hidden Food Additives – Original
Ever heard of guar gum, sodium benzoate, or carrageenan? No, I’m sure you probably haven’t.
Unfortunately, these ingredients infiltrate a large majority of our food and are primarily used to preserve food or modify sensory qualities of it. These food additives can be derived from plants, animals, minerals, or even be chemically synthesized, according to the World Health Organization. While there are some additives that are considered safe in moderation, there are many that raise concerns due to their links to allergies, metabolic disruption, medical conditions, and even diseases like cancer, according to ReAgent. There are over 3,000 additives approved in the United States, with a large majority of these being banned in countries like Europe.
It is very important to understand how you can avoid eating these food additives. Below are some tips on how to avoid eating food additives.
1. Understand food additives and read ingredient labels carefully
First, it is important you understand the different types of food additives. They tend to be grouped by what they do. For example, there are colors/dyes, emulsifiers, preservatives, and sweeteners. Some food additives to be on the lookout for are red 40, blue 1– aka artificial dyes– potassium bromate, BHA, BHT, titanium dioxide, aspartame, sodium nitrate, etc.
Thus, it’s very important you read ingredient labels carefully. Focus on products with recognizable names and a small list of ingredients. Most organic and non-GMO regulations prohibit organically processed foods from containing these additives, with some minor exceptions, according to the USDA.
2. Support your local farmers
A lot of processed food contains these hidden additives. By going to farmers markets, you have the opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and other less processed foods. This limits your exposure to many chemicals in mass-produced foods.
3. Cook at home
By cooking your meals at home, you are in full control of what’s going into your food. This really limits your intake of processed foods and adding food additives into your food. For example, making your own sauces or dressings is a way to avoid eating those hidden canned food additives.
AI VERSION
AI Prompt: Now that you have seen what I wrote, please make a second version that is more spoken through a brand’s voice. The two brands I was inspired to write this story on was MALK and Three Trees, two plant-based milk brands. Please now weave either of the brands into the story. My two ideas I had were to give an example of one of these plant-based milk products at the end of the story or under the first tip, I could include either of these milks and talk about how their ingredient labels are very minimal, with clean ingredients. This version needs to reflect more of a brand.
Ever heard of guar gum, sodium benzoate, or carrageenan? Chances are, you haven’t. But these ingredients quietly show up in many of the foods you eat every day.
Food additives are commonly used to extend shelf life, improve texture, or enhance flavor. They can come from natural sources like plants or minerals, or they can be chemically created. While some additives are considered safe in small amounts, others have raised concerns due to potential links to allergies, metabolic issues, and other long-term health risks. With thousands of approved additives in the U.S. food system, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s actually in your food.
The good news? You have more control than you think. Here are three simple ways you can reduce your exposure to hidden food additives and feel more confident about what you’re eating.
1. Read Ingredient Labels Carefully
Understanding what’s in your food starts with the label. Food additives often fall into categories like artificial colors, preservatives, emulsifiers, and sweeteners. Some common ones to look out for include Red 40, Blue 1, potassium bromate, BHA, BHT, titanium dioxide, aspartame, and sodium nitrate.
A helpful rule of thumb: the shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list, the better.
This is where brands like MALK Organics and Three Trees stand out. Their plant-based milks are known for simple, transparent ingredient lists—often just water, nuts, and a pinch of salt. No gums, no fillers, no artificial preservatives. When you choose products made with minimal ingredients, you’re naturally avoiding many of the additives that show up in ultra-processed foods.
2. Support Your Local Farmers
Highly processed foods are where many hidden additives live. Shopping at local farmers markets allows you to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed products directly from the source.
When you choose locally grown foods, you’re not only reducing your exposure to additives—you’re also supporting your local food system and choosing ingredients that are often fresher and closer to their natural state.
3. Cook More Meals at Home
One of the most effective ways to avoid hidden additives is by cooking your meals yourself. When you cook at home, you control exactly what goes into your food.
Simple swaps can make a big difference. Making your own salad dressings, sauces, and snacks allows you to skip the preservatives and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought versions. Even choosing a clean-label base—like a plant-based milk with only a few ingredients—can help you build meals you feel good about.
Being more mindful about what you eat doesn’t mean overcomplicating your routine. It simply means paying closer attention to ingredient labels, choosing whole foods when you can, and supporting brands that prioritize transparency.