18 Everyday Groceries You Should Rethink Due to Harmful Chemicals

Food additives have become ubiquitous in our modern diet, with over 10,000 chemicals allowed to be added to food in the United States alone.1 A study found that 53.8% of food products contained at least one additive, with 11.3% containing five or more.2 

The modern food industry relies heavily on chemical enhancers to improve taste, texture, and shelf life. It’s time to peek behind the label because here are 18 grocery staples that are more chemistry experiments than nourishment.

1. Flavored Non-Dairy Creamers

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These convenient coffee companions often contain a laundry list of artificial ingredients. Many brands use hydrogenated oils, corn syrup solids, and artificial flavors to mimic the taste and texture of cream.

The chemical additives in these products can include carrageenan, a thickener linked to digestive issues, and dipotassium phosphate, an emulsifier with potential health concerns.

Some flavored creamers also contain artificial colors and preservatives to extend shelf life and enhance visual appeal.

2. Processed Cheese Slices

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Those perfectly uniform cheese slices might seem convenient, but they’re far from natural. Many processed cheese products contain emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial colors to achieve their signature look and texture.

Common additives include sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, and artificial dyes. These ingredients help create a smooth, meltable texture and prevent separation, but they offer little nutritional value compared to real cheese.

3. Fruit-Flavored Snacks

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Marketed as a fruity treat, these gummy snacks often contain more sugar and artificial ingredients than actual fruit. Many brands use corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic food dyes to create an appealing taste and appearance.

These snacks may also include preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate to extend shelf life. The minimal fruit content, usually in the form of concentrated juices, provides little nutritional benefit compared to whole fruits.

4. Microwave Popcorn

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The convenience of microwave popcorn comes at a chemical cost. Many brands use artificial butter flavoring, which may contain diacetyl, a compound linked to respiratory issues in factory workers.

The bags themselves are often lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a potentially harmful chemical. Additionally, some varieties contain hydrogenated oils, artificial preservatives, and excessive amounts of salt and artificial flavors.

5. Diet Sodas

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While marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda, diet versions are packed with artificial sweeteners and other chemical additives. Aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium are common sugar substitutes used in these drinks.

These beverages also often contain phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption, and artificial colors. Some studies have linked regular consumption of diet sodas to increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. (ref)

6. Boxed Macaroni & Cheese

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This pantry staple might be convenient, but it’s often loaded with artificial ingredients. The powdered cheese sauce typically contains whey protein concentrate, artificial colors, and various preservatives.

Many brands use Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes to achieve the signature orange color. These products also tend to be high in sodium and may contain added flavorings and emulsifiers to improve texture and taste.

7. Breakfast Cereals

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Many popular cereals, especially those marketed to children, are more akin to candy than a nutritious breakfast. These products often contain high amounts of added sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Some cereals use BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) as a preservative, which has been linked to potential health risks in animal studies. Artificial flavors and synthetic vitamins are also common additions, masking the lack of natural nutrients.

8. Margarine

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Once touted as a healthy alternative to butter, margarine often contains a cocktail of chemicals. Many brands use hydrogenated oils, which are a source of harmful trans fats, despite claims of being “trans-fat free.”

Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are commonly added to mimic the taste and appearance of butter. Some varieties also include emulsifiers and anti-foaming agents to improve texture and stability.

9. Flavored Yogurts

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While plain yogurt can be a healthy snack, flavored varieties often contain more sugar and additives than beneficial bacteria. Many brands add high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic colors to enhance taste and appearance.

These products may also include thickeners like carrageenan or pectin, and artificial preservatives to extend shelf life. The actual fruit content is often minimal, with fruit “pieces” sometimes made from processed fruit concentrates and gelling agents.

10. Frozen Dinners

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Convenience comes at a price with many frozen meals packed full of preservatives and artificial ingredients. These products often contain high levels of sodium, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives to maintain taste and texture after reheating.

Many frozen dinners use hydrolyzed vegetable protein as a flavor enhancer, which can be high in MSG. Artificial colors, anti-caking agents, and synthetic vitamins are also common additions to make up for the lack of natural nutrients.

11. Packaged Deli Meats

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Pre-sliced deli meats might save time, but they’re often loaded with preservatives and artificial additives. Many contain sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate as preservatives, which have been linked to increased cancer risk when consumed in large quantities.

These products frequently include artificial flavors, colors, and fillers to enhance taste and appearance. Some deli meats also contain high amounts of sodium and added sugars, contributing little nutritional value.

12. Bottled Salad Dressings

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Store-bought salad dressings often contain more chemicals than the vegetables they’re meant to accompany. Many brands use high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives like potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA.

These dressings may also include thickeners and emulsifiers like xanthan gum and propylene glycol alginate. The oil used is often of low quality, and artificial colors are added to enhance visual appeal.

13. Flavored Potato Chips

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These crispy snacks are often more chemical than potatoes. Many flavored chips contain artificial flavors, colors, and MSG-like flavor enhancers to create their bold tastes.

Preservatives such as sodium bisulfite and BHT are commonly used to maintain freshness. The oils used for frying are often hydrogenated, contributing to trans fat content, despite labels claiming “zero trans fats.”

14. Fruit Cocktail in Syrup

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Canned fruit cocktails might seem like a convenient way to eat fruit, but they’re often swimming in sugary syrup and preservatives. These products typically contain high fructose corn syrup or heavy syrup, adding empty calories.

Artificial flavors and colors are sometimes used to enhance taste and appearance. Preservatives like potassium sorbate are added to extend shelf life, while the fruit itself loses much of its natural nutritional value during processing.

15. Instant Noodles

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A college staple, instant noodles are a prime example of food-like substances. The noodles are often deep-fried and contain preservatives like tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) to extend shelf life.

The flavoring packets are loaded with MSG, artificial flavors, and high amounts of sodium. Some brands also include artificial colors and anti-caking agents in their seasoning mixes.

16. Packaged Baked Goods

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Store-bought cookies, cakes, and pastries often contain a laundry list of artificial ingredients. Many use hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial preservatives like calcium propionate.

Artificial flavors and colors are common, especially in frosted or filled items. These products may also contain emulsifiers, stabilizers, and texture enhancers like mono and diglycerides, contributing little nutritional value.

17. Powdered Drink Mixes

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These convenient drink powders are often more chemical than natural flavor. Many contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, along with artificial flavors and colors.

Preservatives and anti-caking agents are commonly added to maintain powder consistency. Some mixes also include maltodextrin as a filler and citric acid as a flavor enhancer, offering little in terms of actual nutrition.

18. Processed Vegetarian Meat Substitutes

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While marketed as healthy alternatives, many vegetarian meat substitutes are highly processed. These products often contain soy protein isolate, which undergoes chemical processing, and various binding agents and fillers.

Artificial flavors and colors are frequently used to mimic the taste and appearance of meat. Some brands also add preservatives and high amounts of sodium, making them less healthy than whole plant-based foods.

As consumers, we must be vigilant about what we put into our bodies, reading labels carefully and opting for whole, minimally processed foods when possible.

Remember, a healthy diet is not just about calories, but about the quality and integrity of what we eat.

Sources:

  1. National Library of Medicine
  2. National Library of Medicine

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.