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Additives

Most food today, barring diary, fruit, meat, nuts and vegetables (i.e. whole foods) contains additives of some kind. These are not all bad for you or cause for concern.

Additives can include;

  • anti-caking agents
  • colourings
  • emulsifiers - prevent ingredients from separating
  • fibre
  • flavourings
  • humectants - retain moisture
  • prebiotics - compounds that foster the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms (typically bacteria in the gut biome)
  • preservatives - slow or prevent decomposition, inhibit fungus growth, decrease microbial degradation, inhibit food-borne illnesses (caused by pathogens) hence increasing 'shelf life'
  • probiotics - contain beneficial microorganisms (typically bacteria found in the gut biome)
  • sugar - add sweetness
  • sweeteners - add sweetness

References

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Created: 2026-08-01

Last Updated: 2026-08-25