What Do Food Additives Consist Of?

Food Additives

When you hear the term “food additives”, you may wonder what they are or what they consist of. In either case, it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Food additives are a standard ingredient in bulk processed foods, and they are completely safe. 

But that only answers half the question. The other is about what goes into additives in the first place. 

Food Additive Basics

Additives are processed substances that enhance or preserve the flavor, appearance or shelf life in many foods found in stores. Many common additives also act as preservatives such as salt, vinegar and sugar and have been used throughout the world for many centuries. In more recent times, new additives have been developed to meet updated processes in food manufacturing, packaging and storage. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration continues to study and regulate each food additive to maintain their safe status and approval for use in foods.  

Cremer Oleochemicals as Ingredients in Food Additives

Here at Cremer, some of our top-quality oleochemicals that we supply are used to make food additives in many forms. 

  • Glycerin – This oleochemical is used as a humectant, which is a substance that helps maintain moisture in many packaged foods. It is also commonly used as an emollient in plant-based oils such as palm and coconut. These are often found in baked goods, soup, pasta and condiments. Glycerin is also often used as a sweetener.
  • Fatty Alcohols – These alcohols are found in additives where they work as a thickening agent and a flavor enhancer in products like cereal grains.
  • Fatty Acids – In this application, fatty acids act as emulsifiers and as a suspension agent to maintain the blending of other additives for products like condiments, baked goods and even ice cream.

Although this is not a comprehensive list, it provides key examples of the ways Cremer’s quality oleochemicals are used to make some of the ingredients in foods we eat almost every day. That is why we always maintain and proactively improve the highest quality standards for safety, health and environmental awareness. 

To view our roster of naturally sourced oleochemicals and learn about their many applications, including how they are used as food additives, visit petercremerna.com/oleochemicals/.

For questions, product information, sample requests or talk with one of our oleochemical experts, contact us

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