Additives
Type of additive Function Side effects
Colourings Enhance colour of Babies and young children becoming
food. hyperactive because of effect on brain.
Flavourings To improve natural Some flavourings are very intense.
flavour and odour of Often large amounts of salt are used.
food. People become used to it so deter from
eating natural food.
Sweeteners To use as substitute Using sweetener instead of sugar does not
to sugar, in order to lower blood sugar levels.
reduce sugar intake Some sweeteners can cause digestive upsets
and prevent high (diarrhoea).
sugar levels.
Preservatives Prevent food from Some people are allergic to some
becoming spoiled by preservatives and need to avoid those foods
micro-organisms. that contain them.
To increase shelf life
so it is edible for a
long time.
Emulsifiers/ Develop certain Side effects are not common with these
stabilisers textures in food so types of additives.
food doesn’t change
while stored.
Emulsifiers are used
to prevent oil and
water from
separating out in
products such as
salad.
Type of additive Function Side effects
Colourings Enhance colour of Babies and young children becoming
food. hyperactive because of effect on brain.
Flavourings To improve natural Some flavourings are very intense.
flavour and odour of Often large amounts of salt are used.
food. People become used to it so deter from
eating natural food.
Sweeteners To use as substitute Using sweetener instead of sugar does not
to sugar, in order to lower blood sugar levels.
reduce sugar intake Some sweeteners can cause digestive upsets
and prevent high (diarrhoea).
sugar levels.
Preservatives Prevent food from Some people are allergic to some
becoming spoiled by preservatives and need to avoid those foods
micro-organisms. that contain them.
To increase shelf life
so it is edible for a
long time.
Emulsifiers/ Develop certain Side effects are not common with these
stabilisers textures in food so types of additives.
food doesn’t change
while stored.
Emulsifiers are used
to prevent oil and
water from
separating out in
products such as
salad.
