Vegan Food Additives

ⓥ = Vegan

Substance	Effect on the body	Sources
ⓥ Acesulfame K Unhealthy	Artificial sweetener, 200 times sweeter than sugar. May affect gut microbiome.	Synthesized from acetoacetic acid and potassium.
ⓥ Agar agar Healthy	Gelling agent used to thicken	Red seaweed.
Albumin Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as a binder, thickener, and whipping agent in baked goods and confections.	Egg whites (egg albumin) or blood (serum albumin).
ⓥ Annatto Healthy	Natural yellow-orange food coloring (E160b). Adds a mild, peppery flavor.	Seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana).
ⓥ Arabic gum (Gum arabic) Healthy	Emulsifier and stabilizer, used in candies, syrups, and soft drinks. High in soluble fiber.	Sap of the acacia tree.
ⓥ Arrowroot Healthy	Starch used as a thickener for sauces and desserts. Gluten-free.	Root of the arrowroot plant (Maranta arundinacea).
ⓥ Ascorbic acid Healthy	Vitamin C. Used as an antioxidant preservative to prevent browning and oxidation.	Synthesized from glucose via fermentation.
ⓥ Aspartame Unhealthy	Artificial sweetener (Equal, NutraSweet). Controversial – linked to headaches and metabolic issues in some studies.	Synthesized from amino acids (phenylalanine and aspartic acid).
ⓥ Autolyzed yeast Healthy	Flavoring agent used to make yeast extracts like Vegemite and Marmite.	Yeast cells that are broken down to release amino acids, salts, and carbohydrates.
Beeswax Not ⓥ Healthy	Used in candles, chewing gum, and cosmetic products.	Purified from honeycomb from honeybees.
ⓥ BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) Unhealthy	Synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives to prevent rancidity in fats and oils. Possible endocrine disruptor and could cause health problems.	Petroleum-derived.
Calcium carbonate Sometimes ⓥ Healthy	Can be from animal shells, a natural mineral source of calcium that is dairy-free.	Limestone, marble, or crushed animal shells (oysters, clams, mussels, and coral).
ⓥ Calcium chloride Unhealthy	Dairy-free combination of calcium and chlorine, used to lighten food products such as bread. (Pool chloride is a powerful chemical used to sanitize pool water and kill bacteria, by the way. Go organic, avoid the cheap breads and eat whole, natural grains!)	Byproduct of making sodium carbonate and by reacting calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.
ⓥ Calcium propionate Unhealthy	Synthetic preservative used in baked goods to prevent mold growth. Generally recognized as safe but can cause migraines in sensitive individuals.	Produced by neutralizing propionic acid with calcium hydroxide.
ⓥ Calcium sulfate Unhealthy	Dairy-free additive, deemed ‘relatively’ non-hazardous, due to ‘hardness of molecules’. Used in plaster of paris and as a food binder (such as with Publix tofu and breads). Better to soak and eat beans for a meal with quinoa!	Limestone or gypsum.
Caramel color Usually ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as a coloring agent in sodas, sauces, and baked goods. May contain 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen in high amounts (Class III and IV).	Heating sugars (corn syrup, dextrose, or invert sugar).
ⓥ Carrageenan Unhealthy	Thickener and gelling agent derived from seaweed. May cause digestive inflammation in sensitive individuals.	Red seaweed (Irish moss).
Casein Not ⓥ Unhealthy	A milk protein used in cheese, yogurt, and protein supplements as a binder and thickener.	Cow’s milk.
ⓥ Cellulose, some hemicellulose Healthy	Insoluble fiber. Reduces constipation, lowers diverticulitis risk, and may reduce weight.	Nuts, whole wheat, whole grains, bran, seeds, edible brown rice, and produce skins.
ⓥ Citric acid Healthy	Used as a preservative, acidulant, and flavor enhancer in beverages and candies. Also masks metallic taste in sweeteners.	Citrus fruits or fermented from sugar using the mold Aspergillus niger.
Cochineal or Carmine Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Red dye foods, fruit juices, candies, cosmetics, and hygiene products.	Crushed female cochineal insects.
ⓥ Cornstarch Healthy	Thickening agent, anti-caking agent, and filler in processed foods. Gluten-free.	Endosperm of corn kernels.
DATEM (Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides) Usually not ⓥ Unhealthy	Emulsifier used in breads to improve volume and texture. Commonly derived from animal fats.	Can be derived from animal fats or vegetable oils. Often non-vegan unless specified.
ⓥ Dextrose Unhealthy	Simple sugar (glucose) used as a sweetener and bulking agent. High glycemic.	Hydrolysis of corn starch.
Diglycerides (and Monoglycerides) Usually not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as emulsifiers to blend oil and water. Found in margarine, ice cream, and baked goods. Unless labeled “plant-based” or “vegetable”, assume animal-derived.	Animal fats, vegetable oils, or synthetic. The source is rarely disclosed.
ⓥ Erythritol Healthy	Sugar alcohol used as a sweetener (0 calories). Less likely to cause GI issues than other sugar alcohols. Zero glycemic.	Found naturally in fruits and fermented foods. Fermentation of glucose from corn starch.
ⓥ FD&C Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.) Unhealthy	Synthetic food dyes used to color processed foods, candies, and beverages. May cause hyperactivity in sensitive children.	Petroleum-based.
Gelatin Not ⓥ Unhealthy	A protein used as a thickening agent or to make capsules for vitamins and supplements.	Boiling animal skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments with water
ⓥ Gellan gum Healthy	Gelling and stabilising agent (E418). Used in plant-based milks and desserts to improve texture.	Fermentation of glucose by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea.
ⓥ Glucose syrup Unhealthy	Sweetener and thickener used in candies, jams, and processed foods. High glycemic.	Hydrolysis of corn, wheat, or potato starch.
Glycerin (Glycerol) Sometimes ⓥ Healthy	Used as a humectant, sweetener, and preservative. Can be plant-based or animal-derived. Unless “vegetable glycerin” is specified, may come from tallow.	Vegetable oils, animal fats, or petroleum.
ⓥ Guar gum Healthy	Emulsifier and thickener derived from the guar bean. High in soluble fiber, may lower cholesterol.	Seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba).
ⓥ High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) Unhealthy	Sweetener linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease. Used widely in sodas and processed foods.	Corn starch processed with enzymes to convert glucose to fructose.
Honey Not ⓥ Healthy	Made by the bees.	Bees.
ⓥ Inulin Healthy	Prebiotic fiber.	Plants.
ⓥ Invert sugar Unhealthy	A liquid sugar used to prevent crystallization in candies and syrups. Higher sweetness than sucrose.	Hydrolysis of sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.
Isinglass Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as a fining agent to clarify wine, beer, and juices.	Swim bladders of fish.
Lactic acid Sometimes ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as a preservative, acidulant, and flavoring agent. Can be vegan (from fermentation) or derived from dairy.	Fermented sugars (vegan) or from whey (animal). Always check the source.
Lactose Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Milk sugar used as a sweetener, filler, and texturizer in processed foods and tablets.	Milk (whey or milk byproducts).
Lanolin, cholecalciferol Not ⓥ Unhealthy	An oil produced in sheep wool that is used in foods as a coating, like cereal, to add shine and water-resistance. Also used to soften oral products such as bubblegum.	Sheep wool.
L-Cysteine Usually not ⓥ Unhealthy	Dough conditioner used in commercial breads, bagels, and baked goods to improve elasticity. Often derived from duck feathers or human hair.	Human hair, duck feathers, hog bristles, or synthetic (rare).
Lecithin Not ⓥ (See Sunflower Lecithin or Soy Lecithin for ⓥ), Healthy for omnivores Unhealthy for vegans	An emulsifier used as a sticking agent to keep all the ingredients together and balance the chewy, crunchy texture. A vegan-friendly alternative is soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin.	Egg yolks, animal tissues and organs.
ⓥ Lignin Healthy	*Not for this with celiac disease or gluten allergy. Insoluble fiber. Good for heart health and stimulates immune function.	Flax, rye, and some vegetables.
ⓥ Locust bean gum (Carob bean gum) Healthy	Emulsifier and thickener used in ice cream, cheese, and sauces. High in soluble fiber.	Seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua).
ⓥ Maltitol Unhealthy	Processed sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. Contains calories (approx. 2 kcal/g). May cause bloating and diarrhea at high doses.	Hydrogenation of maltose from corn starch.
ⓥ Maltodextrin Unhealthy	Processed powdered starch used as a filler, thickener, and sweetener. High glycemic index.	Hydrolysis of corn, rice, or potato starch.
ⓥ Malic acid Healthy	Naturally occurring acid used as a flavor enhancer and preservative. Gives sourness to candies and beverages.	Fruit (especially apples) or synthesized.
Modified Food Starch Sometimes ⓥ Unhealthy	Starch processed to alter its properties as a thickener, stabilizer, or fat replacer. Source is often undisclosed. May be from wheat, corn, or potato (vegan), but rarely animal.	Corn, wheat, potato, tapioca, or other plant sources. Usually vegan unless labeled otherwise.
Mono- and diglycerides Usually not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as emulsifiers to keep ingredients blended. Found in breads, margarine, and ice cream.	Animal fats, vegetable oils, or synthetic. Often non-vegan without “vegetable” labeling.
ⓥ Monk fruit extract (Luo han guo) Healthy	Natural zero-calorie sweetener. 150-250 times sweeter than sugar. Safe for diabetics.	Dried monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii).
ⓥ MSG or Monosodium Glutamate Unhealthy	Food additive that enhances flavor and reduces salt content. Known to be addictive. Related to obesity, liver damage, fluctuations in blood sugar, elevated risk of heart disease, behavioral problems, nerve damage, and increased inflammation, and toxic effects on the reproductive system.	Bacteria cultures from fermentation of plant-based ingredients such as sugar cane, sugar beets, cassava or corn.
ⓥ Pectin and gums Healthy	*Not for this with celiac disease or gluten allergy. Naturally found in fruits. Boosts fiber in processed foods.	Berries, seeds, and extracted from citrus peel and other plants.
ⓥ Phosphoric acid Unhealthy	Used as an acidulant in soda (e.g., Coca-Cola) to provide tang and acidity. May erode tooth enamel and affect bone health with chronic use.	Synthesized from phosphorus rock.
ⓥ Polydextrose polyols Unhealthy	Processed soluble fiber added to processed foods as a bulking agent and sugar substitute. Prevents constipation, may cause bloating or gas.	Made from dextrose, sorbitol, and citric acid.
Polysorbate 80 Sometimes ⓥ Unhealthy	Emulsifier used to blend oil and water in ice cream, salad dressings, and cosmetics. May be derived from animal fats or plant-based oleic acid.	Vegetable oils (soy, corn) or animal fats. Source is often undisclosed.
ⓥ Potassium sorbate Unhealthy	Widely used processed preservative to prevent yeast and mold growth. Generally recognized as safe but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.	Produced by reacting sorbic acid (from berries) with potassium hydroxide.
ⓥ Propylene glycol Unhealthy	Used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative in processed foods, e.g., shredded coconut, sauces. Generally safe but may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.	Petroleum-derived or from corn-based ethylene glycol.
ⓥ Psyllium Healthy	Not for those with celiac disease or are gluten allergy. 🍼 Pregnant women should prioritize eating a nutritionally rich diet high in fiber to ease defecation and prevent hemorrhoids. Psyllium husk is a safe fiber to supplement with during pregnancy. Soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol (LDL and total cholesterol), may lower blood sugar, reduces the risk for heart disease.	Seeds of the Indian Psyllium plant (Plantago ovata).
Rennet Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk and separate curds from whey.	Calf stomach lining (traditional), microbial (vegan, but usually labeled specifically). Often non-vegan unless specified as “microbial rennet”.
ⓥ Saccharin Unhealthy	Artificial sweetener (Sweet’N Low). 300-400 times sweeter than sugar. Historically linked to bladder cancer in rats (FDA still approved).	Synthesized from petroleum-derived compounds.
Shellac Not ⓥ Unhealthy	Used as a glaze on candies, pills, and citrus fruits to provide shine and protect from moisture.	Resin secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca).
ⓥ Sodium benzoate Unhealthy	Preservative used in acidic foods like sodas, juices, and sauces. Can form benzene (a carcinogen) when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).	Produced by reacting benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide.
ⓥ Sodium Nitrate, or Nitrite Unhealthy	Preservative and curing agent used in processed meats (even vegan sausages). Forms nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.	Mined from natural caliche deposits, also produced as a byproduct of chlorine production.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (SSL) Sometimes ⓥ Unhealthy	Emulsifier used to improve dough texture and stabilize desserts. May be derived from animal fats or plant-based lactic acid.	Animal fats or vegetable oils. Source is rarely disclosed.
ⓥ Sorbitol Unhealthy	Processed sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. May cause bloating and diarrhea at high doses.	Hydrogenation of glucose from corn starch.
ⓥ Soy Lecithin Healthy	Used as an emulsifier, or lubricant.	Raw soybeans.
ⓥ Soy Whey Healthy	Commonly found in protein powders, baked goods, processed foods, and as a binder in some supplements	Byproduct from the production of tofu and soy cheese.
ⓥ Stevia Healthy	Natural zero-calorie sweetener (200-300 times sweeter than sugar). May have blood sugar-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.	Leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana).
ⓥ Sucralose Unhealthy	Artificial sweetener (Splenda). 600 times sweeter than sugar. May affect gut microbiome and insulin response in some studies.	Synthesized from sucrose by replacing hydroxyl groups with chlorine.
Sugar Sometimes not ⓥ Healthy in small amounts	Listed as “Sugar” in ingredients might include bone char. Bone char, or cow bone, is used to finely pulverize sugar granules to make baked goods softer and more decadent. Sugar, molasses, brown sugar, and confectioners sugar might not be vegan. Organic sugar and responsibly sourced sugar are vegan-friendly.	Sugar beets and sugar canes.
ⓥ Sunflower Lecithin Healthy	Used as an emulsifier, or lubricant.	Sunflower seeds.
ⓥ Tartaric acid Healthy	Used as an acidulant and antioxidant in beverages, candies, and baking powder. Imparts a crisp tartness.	Grapes, bananas, or tamarind.
Tocopherol Sometimes ⓥ Healthy	Added for preservation to prevent color fading. Identical to Vitamin E.	Plant, animal, or petroleum
ⓥ Wheat dextrin Healthy	Not for this with celiac disease or gluten allergy. Soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol (LDL and total cholesterol) and may lower blood sugar and reduce the risk for heart disease; more research is needed.	Extracted from wheat starch, and widely used to add fiber to processed foods.
Whey (See Soy Whey for ⓥ) Not ⓥ Healthy	Commonly found in protein powders, baked goods, processed foods, and as a binder in some supplements	Milk from cows, sheep, and goats.
ⓥ Xanthan gum Healthy	Used as a thickener and stabilizer in gluten-free baking, sauces, and dressings. Also used to create vegan egg substitutes.	Fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris.
ⓥ Xylitol Healthy	Sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. Safe for teeth. Low glycemic index and may reduce dental caries. Toxic to dogs.	Extracted from birch wood or corn cob.