Preservatives
39 ingredients in this category. Each entry is a short, plain-language summary drawn from public sources.
Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar (4-8% concentration).
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C, formed by esterifying ascorbic acid with palmitic acid.
BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve fats and oils.
BHT
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant chemically related to BHA.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is an inorganic salt used as a firming agent, preservative, and electrolyte in foods.
Calcium Propionate
Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid.
Calcium Sorbate
Calcium sorbate is the calcium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative in foods and beverages.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas used for carbonation, modified atmosphere packaging, and as a propellant.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally found in citrus fruits.
Epsilon-Polylysine
Epsilon-polylysine (ε-PL) is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by bacterial fermentation.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants derived from grape seeds.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract contains polyphenols, primarily catechins like EGCG, with antioxidant properties.
Lysozyme
Lysozyme is a natural antimicrobial enzyme found in egg whites, human tears, and saliva.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide produced by partial hydrolysis of starch (typically corn, potato, or wheat).
Microcrystalline Wax
Microcrystalline wax is a refined petroleum wax used for coating fruits, vegetables, and confections.
Natamycin
Natamycin is a natural antifungal compound produced by bacteria.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors are flavor compounds derived from plant or animal sources through physical, enzymatic, or fermentation processes.
Nisin
Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide made by bacteria.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein and other polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-derived wax used for coating and protecting food products.
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is an inorganic acid produced synthetically for commercial use.
Polyglycerol Esters
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (PGEF) are emulsifiers made from polyglycerol and fatty acids.
Potassium Lactate
Potassium lactate is the potassium salt of lactic acid, used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in meat products.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, originally isolated from mountain ash berries.
Propionic Acid
Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in dairy products and produced during fermentation.
Propyl Gallate
Propyl gallate is an antioxidant derived from gallic acid.
Rosemary Extract
Rosemary extract contains natural antioxidants (carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid) derived from the rosemary plant.
Salt
Sodium chloride (salt) is an ionic compound essential for human health.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in cranberries, prunes, and cinnamon.
Sodium Diacetate
Sodium diacetate is a molecular compound of sodium acetate and acetic acid, providing antimicrobial and flavoring properties.
Sodium Erythorbate
Sodium erythorbate is an antioxidant chemically similar to vitamin C.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic compound used as a preservative and antioxidant.
Sodium Propionate
Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in dairy products.
Sodium Selenite
Sodium selenite is an inorganic selenium compound used for food fortification and dietary supplements.
Sugar
Sucrose (table sugar) is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is a chemical compound produced by burning sulfur or processing sulfur-containing ores.
TBHQ
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant derived from butane.
Tocopherols Mixed
Mixed tocopherols are natural vitamin E compounds extracted from vegetable oils, containing alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms.