Additives Flashcards
What is an additive?
a substance added to something in small quantities to improve or preserve it
What is a natural additive?
Obtained from natural sources (purple from beetroot)
What is nature identical additives?
Synthetic copies of natural occurring substances (vanillin from vanilla pods)
What are artificial additives?
Not naturally occurring, synthetically made
What is an E-number?
Food additives tested in the EU are given an E number which means it is safe to use
Name different uses of additives (6)
Colouring Preserving Sweetening Emulsions Flavouring Antioxidants Fortification/enriching
Why are colourings used
To make it look attractive
Added to replace those lost during processing
Example of natural sources of colouring
Seeds
Roots
Grasses
Why are preservatives used
Prevents decay
Minimise food wastage
Example of preservatives
Nitrates - curing meats
Reduces risk or bacterial growth
Why are sweeteners used
Make a product healthier - gives same flavour, less calories
Used as replacement
Make it more suitable (diabetics)
Example of sweetener
Fructose instead of glucose
Why are emulsifiers used
Improve consistency
Mix fats and oils to stop separation
Smooth texture
Thickens sauce
Example of emulsifier
Lecithin - found in eggs
Why are flavourings used
Improve flavours
Replaced those lost during processing
Used to give strong flavour
Example of flavourings
Vanillin
Herbs
Fruits
What is fortification
Vitamins added that weren’t naturally part of the food to decrease dietary deficiencies
What is enriching
Replacing nutrients lost in processing
Why are antioxidants used
Keeps food fresher for longer
Prevent rancidity in product that contain small amount of fat
Prevent oxidation on fruit/veg
Example of antioxidants
Vitamin c (fruit/veg/fruit juices) to stop enzymatic browning
