Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on your food packaging and spotted some strange abbreviations? Do you know what they mean? Understanding ingredients and their abbreviations is important for making informed choices about what you put into your body. In this article, we’ll break down some common ingredient abbreviations.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers
Emulsifiers and stabilizers are ingredients that help keep the texture and consistency of a food product consistent. Emulsifiers keep oil and water from separating while stabilizers prevent the ingredients from separating over time. Some common emulsifiers and stabilizers include: - Xanthan gum (XG) - Carrageenan (CRG) - Polysorbate (PS) - Lecithin (LEC)
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide that is used as a thickening agent in foods like salad dressings and sauces. Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is commonly used in dairy products to give them a smooth texture. Polysorbate is used in the production of ice cream, while lecithin is commonly found in chocolate and baked goods.
Preservatives
Preservatives are ingredients that help extend the shelf life of a food product. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. Some common preservatives include: - Sodium benzoate (SB) - Potassium sorbate (PS) - BHA/BHT
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are both used in a wide variety of food and beverage products. BHA/BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole/butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that are commonly found in cereal, snack foods, and chewing gum to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are ingredients that add sweetness to food and drink products. Some common sweetener abbreviations include: - High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) - Aspartame (ASP) - Sucralose (SCL) - Stevia (STV)
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch that is commonly found in processed foods and soft drinks. Aspartame is commonly used as a sugar substitute in diet drinks and sugar-free chewing gum. Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener commonly found in diet drinks and candy. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and is commonly found in health foods.
With a little bit of knowledge about ingredient abbreviations, you can make more informed choices about what you eat. Keep an eye out for these and other common abbreviations on your food packaging, and stay aware of what you’re putting into your body!
