Food labels can often be confusing, filled with E-codes and scientific names that are hard to decipher. This page aims to demystify some of the most common food additives found in everyday Indian snacks, candies, and drinks, showing you exactly where they might be hiding.
Understanding these additives is the first step towards making more informed choices about what you and your family consume.
E621 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Use: Flavor enhancer, providing an 'umami' taste.
Found In: Instant noodles (e.g., Maggi, Top Ramen), savory snacks (e.g., potato chips, namkeen), processed soups, and some restaurant foods (especially Indo-Chinese cuisine).
E951 Aspartame
Use: Artificial sweetener, low-calorie sugar substitute.
Found In: Diet sodas (e.g., Diet Coke, Pepsi Black), sugar-free chewing gum, some sugar-free candies, and certain diet desserts.
E102 Tartrazine
Use: Synthetic lemon-yellow food coloring.
Found In: Candies (e.g., hard candies, jellies), soft drinks (e.g., Fanta, Mountain Dew), ice creams, and some packaged snacks (e.g., chips, extruded snacks).
E110 Sunset Yellow FCF
Use: Synthetic orange-yellow food coloring.
Found In: Orange-flavored drinks, sweets, jams, and some processed cheese products.
E124 Ponceau 4R
Use: Synthetic red food coloring.
Found In: Red-colored candies, desserts, soft drinks, and some traditional Indian sweets like Jalebi (if artificial colors are used).
E250 Sodium Nitrite
Use: Preservative and color fixative, primarily in cured meats.
Found In: Processed meats like sausages, bacon, ham, and some canned meat products available in India.
E330 Citric Acid
Use: Acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative.
Found In: Soft drinks, fruit juices, candies, jams, jellies, and many processed foods to add a tart flavor or preserve freshness.
E407 Carrageenan
Use: Thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer.
Found In: Dairy products (e.g., ice cream, flavored milk, yogurt), processed meat products, and some vegan alternatives.
E412 Guar Gum
Use: Thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
Found In: Ice creams, salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, and some dairy and non-dairy beverages.
E471 Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Use: Emulsifier, preventing separation of ingredients and improving texture.
Found In: Bakery products (e.g., bread, cakes, biscuits), ice cream, margarine, and processed snacks.
This list provides a glimpse into the world of food additives and their presence in your daily diet. While many E-codes are harmless, being aware of what you consume empowers you to make healthier choices.
Always make it a habit to read food labels carefully. The more you know, the better you can protect your health and the health of your family.