What’s the Ingredient on the Label?
The makers of America’s food and beverage products follow strict regulations and rigorous safety protocols for how their products are made, packaged and labeled, including providing a clear Nutrition Facts label and a complete list of ingredients to ensure transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices. Food ingredients must meet the same safety standard regardless of whether they are naturally or artificially derived.
It is common for some ingredients to appear unfamiliar at first glance, but they are often the essential vitamins, nutrients and other components known to support good nutrition, help keep food safe and make it taste good.
Did You Know?
The FDA requires uniform labeling to ensure consistency, accurate comparisons and alignment with the Dietary Reference Intakes, which is why you see the scientific terms for ingredients on your favorite products.
The Truth About Ingredients
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More than 100,000 products feature SmartLabel QR codes, connecting consumers to detailed ingredient, nutrition and allergen information with a simple scan, plus extras like usage tips and certifications that go beyond the label.
Preservatives
Preservatives are commonly found in items like baked goods, dressings and snacks. On labels, they often appear as scientific names, even though many are simply forms of vitamins, salts or antioxidants.
Common preservatives and how they might appear on labels include:
- Ascorbic acid: Vitamin C; prevents browning and preserves color in meats
- Citric acid: From citrus; controls acidity in drinks and canned foods
- Sodium benzoate: Used in dressings and sodas to prevent mold and bacteria
- Tocopherols: Vitamin E; keeps oils from going rancid
- BHT: Helps preserve freshness and texture in snacks and cereals
Other preservatives include:
Sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, calcium propionate, sodium erythorbate, BHA, EDTA
Nutrients
Nutrients are typically added to foods like cereals, breads, milk and flour to support health and help fill dietary gaps. On the Nutrition Facts panel, they may appear by their scientific names, even though many are familiar vitamins and minerals.
Common nutrients and how they might appear on labels include:
- Thiamine hydrochloride: Vitamin B1; supports energy metabolism
- Riboflavin: Vitamin B2; helps convert food into energy
- Niacin: Vitamin B3; supports digestion and skin health
- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3; helps maintain healthy cells
- Folate or folic acid: Vitamin B; supports cell growth and development
Other nutrients include:
Beta carotene, potassium iodide, iron or ferrous sulfate, alpha tocopherols, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, and amino acids (L-tryptophan, L-lysine, L-leucine, L-methionine)
Fast Fact!
According to scientific evidence and federal dietary guidance, seed oils have numerous health benefits including providing fatty acids and essential nutrients needed for bodily function, as well as decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Emulsifiers & Stabilizers
Emulsifiers and stabilizers are commonly found in products like salad dressings, ice cream and yogurt. These ingredients help blend and maintain texture by keeping mixtures from separating.
Common emulsifiers and stabilizers and how they might appear on labels include:
- Carrageenan: Derived from seaweed; helps thicken and stabilize dairy and plant-based products
- Polysorbates: Help oil and water mix smoothly; often used in sauces and desserts
- Soy lecithin: Helps ingredients blend evenly; found in chocolate and baked goods
- Mono- and diglycerides: Improve texture and prevent separation in baked and frozen foods
- Egg yolks: Naturally contain lecithin; used as an emulsifier in sauces and dressings
Other emulsifiers and stabilizers include:
Sorbitan monostearate, gelatin, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, whey
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are commonly used in beverages, baked goods and other treats to provide sweetness with or without added calories. On labels, they may appear under a variety of names, including both sugar-based and low-calorie options.
Common sweeteners and how they might appear on labels include:
- Aspartame: Low-calorie sweetener; often found in diet beverages and sugar-free gum
- Glucose: A simple sugar; provides quick energy in snacks and sweets
- Fructose: Naturally found in fruit; also used in processed foods for added sweetness
- Sorbitol: Derived from corn or wheat starch; commonly used in candy and toothpaste for moisture and taste
- Mannitol: Naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and certain plants; often found in sugar-free gum and baked goods for texture and sweetness
Other sweeteners include:
Corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, saccharin, sucrose, sucralose, acesulfame potassium (acesulfame-K), neotame
Learn more
A wide range of ingredients help ensure convenient access to nutritious, affordable and safe food and beverage products, many of which have been safely used for more than a century. While some ingredients may go by different names, their function and safety remain the same.