What are acidifying and pH regulating additives? Discover what they are, what they consist of and their purpose, their toxicity and in what foods or drinks we find them.
The truth is that it is enough to take a look at food labels to realize the amount of food additives that we can find in food, and food products and beverages that we consume with some regularity.
As its name suggests, food additives are substances or compounds that are added to food and beverages, with the aim of improving their taste and aroma, or to extend their expiration period.
As we have told you on several occasions, there are different types of food additives that differ depending on their qualities or purposes: colorants, preservatives, emulsifiers, antioxidants and stabilizers.
However, it is true that if we talk about acidifying additives, and particularly those regulating the pH of food, it is more than likely that they do not sound as familiar to you as the previous ones.
What are acidifying additives?
As their name suggests, they are substances that are added to certain foods with the aim of modifying their acidity. They are also used to modify or reinforce its flavor.
In the case of beverages, for example, the most common is to add acidifying additives in order to modify the sensation of excessive sweetness produced by sugar (more common in sugary drinks, such as packaged juices and soft drinks).
What are the effects of acidifying additives?
Acidifying additives can have a laxative effect if taken in high doses. Therefore, it is recommended not to abuse or overeat those foods and beverages that contain acidifying additives on their labeling.
The most common acidifying additives
Here are the most common or common acidifying additives:
- E 514 Sodium sulfate.
- E515 I Potassium sulfate.
- E 515 II Potassium acid sulfate
- E 516 Calcium sulfate
- E 517 Ammonium sulfate
In what foods can we find acidifying additives?
- Refreshing sugary drinks.
- Packaged juices.
- Canned vegetables.
- Bread.
- Beer.
- Cheeses
