Decode the label
Most ingredient lists are written for regulators, not for you. Here is what the INS numbers and additive names on Indian packs actually mean, and whether they are worth worrying about.
Concern
Additives with credible evidence of harm, regulatory warnings abroad, or that trigger a penalty in our scoring.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil hardened by hydrogenation. Labels rarely say whether it is partially hydrogenated (trans fat) or fully hydrogenated (saturated fat).
In 4 rated products →Tartrazine
A synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye and one of the Southampton Six. The EU requires a hyperactivity warning on every product containing it. India does not.
In 3 rated products →Carmoisine
A synthetic red azo dye (also called azorubine) and one of the Southampton Six. It is not approved for food use in the United States.
In 2 rated products →Sunset Yellow FCF
A synthetic orange azo dye and one of the Southampton Six. The EU requires a hyperactivity warning on foods that contain it.
In 2 rated products →BHA
A synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
In 1 rated product →TBHQ
A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils from going rancid. Permitted within limits, but common in heavily processed, oil-rich foods.
In 1 rated product →Allura Red AC
A synthetic red azo dye (Red 40 in the US) and one of the Southampton Six, carrying a hyperactivity warning in the EU.
Read more →Aspartame
An artificial sweetener classified by IARC in 2023 as possibly carcinogenic. People with phenylketonuria must avoid it.
Read more →Cyclamate
An artificial sweetener that has been banned in the United States since 1970, though permitted in the EU and elsewhere.
Read more →Partially Hydrogenated Oil
The main source of industrial trans fat. FSSAI has limited trans fat in oils and fats to 2% since 2022.
Read more →Sodium Nitrite
A curing salt used in processed meats. It prevents botulism but can form nitrosamines, especially when meat is cooked at high heat.
Read more →Worth watching
Generally permitted and fine in small amounts, but worth knowing about if they show up often in what you eat.
Palm oil
A cheap, stable frying oil that is about half saturated fat. The most common fat in Indian packaged snacks.
In 32 rated products →Maida
Refined wheat flour with the bran and germ removed. Low in fibre and quick to digest.
In 21 rated products →Maltodextrin
A highly processed carbohydrate from starch, used as a filler and thickener. It raises blood sugar quickly.
In 14 rated products →Calcium Propionate
The most common mould inhibitor in packaged bread. Generally regarded as safe.
In 11 rated products →Potassium Sorbate
A widely used preservative against mould and yeast. Low toxicity.
In 7 rated products →Carrageenan
A seaweed-derived thickener used in dairy drinks and desserts. Food-grade carrageenan is approved, but its effect on the gut is debated.
In 4 rated products →Caramel Colour (Class IV)
Sulphite ammonia caramel, the brown colour in colas and sauces. It can contain 4-MEI, a by-product IARC lists as possibly carcinogenic.
In 2 rated products →Sodium Benzoate
A preservative for acidic foods and drinks. With vitamin C it can form small amounts of benzene under heat and light.
In 1 rated product →Acesulfame Potassium
An artificial sweetener (Ace-K) around 200 times sweeter than sugar, often blended with sucralose or aspartame.
Read more →BHT
A synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxytoluene) used to keep fats fresh. The evidence on its safety is mixed.
Read more →High Fructose Corn Syrup
A liquid sugar made from corn starch. It counts as added sugar.
Read more →Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer. Safe for most people, but it adds sodium and signals a flavour-engineered product.
Read more →Low concern
Low concern at the levels used in food.
Modified Waxy Maize Starch
A chemically modified starch (hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate) used to thicken and stabilise food. Generally regarded as safe.
Read more →Nisin (Natural Preservative)
A natural antimicrobial produced by bacteria, used mainly in cheese and dairy. Low concern.
Read more →Turmeric / Curcumin (Flour Treatment)
The yellow colour from turmeric. A natural alternative to synthetic yellow dyes.
Read more →