Additives in Baby Food
What parents need to know about baby food ingredients.
Why these additives?
Baby food is subject to stricter additive regulations than adult food in most countries. The EU specifically limits or prohibits many additives in foods for infants and young children. Common additives in baby food include modified starches for texture, antioxidants like ascorbic acid for preservation, thickeners like guar gum, and added vitamins and minerals for nutrition. Parents should be aware that "natural" does not always mean "additive-free."
Natural antioxidant
Vitamin C salt
Vitamin C salt
Vitamin C salt. Not currently on EU approved list as food additive
Fat-soluble vitamin C
Fat-soluble vitamin C ester. Delisted in EU
Natural antioxidant
Vitamin E
Vitamin E
Vitamin E
Synthetic antioxidant for fats
Synthetic antioxidant. Removed from EU approved list in 2018
Synthetic antioxidant. Removed from EU approved list in 2018
Synthetic antioxidant. Not in EU list
Natural antioxidant. Not in EU approved list
Antioxidant for cured meats
Antioxidant for cured meats
Duplicate entry for E315. Sometimes listed separately
Sodium salt of isoascorbic acid
Synthetic antioxidant for oils/fats. Some health concerns debated
Synthetic antioxidant. Classified as possible carcinogen by IARC. EU restricts use; more freely used in US
Synthetic antioxidant. Health debate ongoing. EU restricts; US broader use
Polymeric antioxidant. Not approved in EU
Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017
Acidity regulator
Acidity regulator and antimicrobial
Firming agent. Used in molecular gastronomy spherification
Acidity regulator and dough conditioner
Acidity regulator. Also a magnesium supplement
Racemic form of magnesium lactate
Very common natural acid
Acidity regulator, emulsifier
Acidity regulator
Acidity regulator
Natural acid in grapes
Emulsifier
Baking ingredient
Emulsifier
Acidity in cola drinks
Emulsifier, stabilizer