7 Food Additives You Should Avoid (And How to Spot Them Fast)

Food additives are everywhere. They help preserve shelf life, enhance flavor, and make products look more appealing. But not all additives are harmless — especially for kids, people with allergies, or anyone trying to eat clean. In this article, we’ll go over 7 specific additives you should watch out for, what they do, and how to find them before they end up in your cart.

Additives Aren’t Always Bad — But Some Are

Additives labeled with “E” codes are part of an international classification system. Many are totally safe — like pectin (E440, a fruit-based thickener) or citric acid (E330, found in lemons). But others are linked to health risks and best avoided.

Who should be especially careful:

• children;
• pregnant women;
• people with allergies or asthma;
• anyone with digestive or thyroid issues.

7 Additives to Watch Out For (And Why)

1. Trans Fats (Hydrogenated Oils)

These raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. They’re often disguised as:

• hydrogenated vegetable oil;
• shortening;
• stearin;
• margarine;
• cooking fat.

2. E123 – Amaranth Dye (Red #2)

Banned in the U.S. and parts of Europe. This synthetic red dye is suspected of being carcinogenic, especially for children.

3. E240 – Formaldehyde

Used as a preservative in rare cases. Long-term exposure may impact liver function and the nervous system. Mostly found in low-quality preserved goods.

4. E621 – Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Enhances flavor. Safe in small doses, but may trigger headaches, palpitations, or mood swings in sensitive people. Often found in instant noodles, chips, or spice mixes.

5. E951 – Aspartame

An artificial sweetener common in “diet” foods and soft drinks. Linked to headaches and mood changes. Should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria (PKU).

6. E220 – Sulfur Dioxide

Used to preserve dried fruits and wine. Can cause respiratory irritation or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Best to limit frequent exposure.

7. E127 – Erythrosine (Red #3)

A synthetic food dye associated with thyroid issues. Not recommended for kids, pregnant women, or those with liver or endocrine conditions.

How to Spot These Additives on Labels

These substances might appear as:

• “E” numbers (like E240 or E127);
• vague roles like “preservative” or “flavor enhancer”;
• generic names (e.g., “hydrogenated fat”).

Pro tip: the shorter and simpler the ingredient list, the better. If it looks like a chemistry quiz, think twice.

How FoodScanner Instantly Detects Harmful Additives

Don’t want to memorize hundreds of “E” codes? Just scan the product with FoodScanner:

• Instantly reveals any flagged additives in the ingredients;
• Explains what they are and why they might be risky;
• Offers safer, similar alternatives you can buy on the spot.

Especially helpful for:

• families with kids;
• people with chronic health conditions;
• allergy-prone individuals;
• or anyone trying to shop smarter — without spending 10 minutes reading fine print.

Summary: How to Make Safer Choices

• Not all additives are bad — but a few deserve your attention.
• Be extra cautious when shopping for children or anyone with dietary sensitivities.
• Don’t trust marketing — flip the label and read the fine print.
• And if you want help making fast, safe decisions, let FoodScanner do the scanning for you.

Eating healthy starts with knowing what’s in your food. FoodScanner helps you quickly identify potentially harmful additives so you can make better choices for you and your family.