What does “no additives” mean? An explanation of the pros and cons, and how to choose safe foods.
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Some people may want to eat meals without food additives for health reasons. However, even if a food product is labeled “no additives,” it does not necessarily mean that no food additives have been used. When choosing foods labeled “no additives,” it is important to have the correct knowledge and understand the key points.
This article explains what “no additives” means, the benefits of no additives, and the disadvantages of food additives. We will also introduce key points for choosing foods without food additives, so please refer to this article for guidance.
What does “no additives” mean?
“No additives” refers to products that do not contain any food additives. The labeling of food additives will be changed to “no additives” starting April 2024. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly label food additives so that consumers can understand what is not included.
For example, products that were previously labeled as “preservative-free” often contained additives such as antioxidants. Under the new labeling system, such products will now be labeled as “contains antioxidants to enhance preservation,” clearly indicating which additives are used and which are not.
Food additives are substances used in the manufacturing process of food for the purpose of processing or preservation. In Japan, food additives are categorized into designated additives, existing additives, natural flavorings, and general food additives. Designated additives are those whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed and are designated by the Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Other additives have been used for a long time and are recognized as natural additives.
・Meaning of “partially additive-free”
“Partially additive-free” refers to a state in which specific additives are not used. However, other food additives may still be used, so it is important to check the ingredients if you wish to avoid certain additives. When concerned about food additives, it is advisable to confirm whether a product is completely additive-free or partially additive-free. If you are particularly concerned about the risk of allergies to food additives, be sure to carefully check the ingredients.
For example, in the case of a “preservative-free” label, while preservatives are not used in the manufacturing process, other additives may still be present. It is advisable to confirm the specific additives used for peace of mind.
・Meaning of “completely additive-free”
“Completely additive-free” means that no food additives are used in any stage of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to the final product. No additives are added at the source of the raw materials, and no additives are included in any ingredients or seasonings.
However, completely additive-free foods do not contain preservatives, so they should be consumed promptly. They tend to have shorter expiration dates or best-by dates specified by the manufacturer. When purchasing completely additive-free foods, be sure to check and understand the expiration date first.
・No labeling required for additives
Some food additives are exempt from labeling requirements. This is because certain food additives are not present in the final product at the time of sale, or if present, are present in such small quantities that they are considered to have no effect on food safety. The food additives exempt from labeling include nutritional fortifiers, processing aids, and carryover substances.
Nutrient fortifiers are additives used to enhance the nutritional value of food, such as vitamins and minerals. Processing aids are additives used in food processing that are removed or present only in trace amounts by the time the product is sold. Both nutrient fortifiers and processing aids are exempt from labeling because they are not considered to have a significant impact on food.
Carryover substances are those used as raw materials but not in the actual manufacturing process and do not have an effect on the final product. Preservatives are commonly used as carryover substances. For example, if soy sauce containing a preservative is used in the production of rice crackers, but the preservative is almost entirely removed by the time the product is sold, the preservative is exempt from labeling as an additive if it is determined not to affect the rice crackers.
・No labeling required for additives
Foods without food additives offer many benefits. However, there are also disadvantages to additives that you should be aware of. By learning about food additives, you can make healthier food choices. We will explain the benefits of additive-free foods and the disadvantages of additives in detail.
Advantages of additive-free products and disadvantages of additives
No additives can reduce health risks associated with food additives. Food additives used in Japan are strictly regulated in terms of usage standards and quantities, and a certain level of safety has been confirmed. However, the long-term effects of consuming them over decades are not yet fully understood. Additionally, there are potential risks associated with consuming multiple food additives.
Additionally, additive-free foods offer the benefit of allowing you to enjoy the natural taste of ingredients. For example, foods without artificial sweeteners allow you to taste the natural sweetness of the ingredients. This enables you to enjoy meals that are both delicious and healthy.
・Disadvantages of additives
How to check for additive-free foods and key points to consider when choosing them
The following are the methods for confirming additive-free foods and the key points to consider when selecting them.
● Check the list of ingredients
● Choose products that clearly indicate the manufacturing process and place of production
● Purchase from stores that handle additive-free foods
Each point is explained in detail below.
Check the list of ingredients
When searching for additive-free foods, first check the list of ingredients. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity used, starting with the most abundant. By reviewing the list of ingredients, you can determine which raw materials and food additives are used in the product and in what quantities.
Ingredient lists may also include the intended use of food additives.
The Consumer Affairs Agency has established guidelines for the non-use of food additives to prevent consumer confusion. These guidelines apply to food packaging and labels. The guidelines make it easier to accurately identify additive-free foods.
・Choose products with information about the manufacturing process and place of production
When choosing food products, it is important to check the ingredients and also choose products with information about the manufacturing process and place of production. The manufacturing process can sometimes be found on the manufacturer's official website or social media. Some food packages may also have QR codes that provide information about production. Manufacturers that disclose the manufacturing process and place of production to consumers can be considered reliable companies in food production.
・Purchase from stores that carry additive-free foods
At stores specializing in additive-free foods, it is easy to find products without additives. This reduces the hassle of checking ingredients, manufacturing processes, and production locations every time you pick up a product. Stores specializing in additive-free foods may offer a selection of carefully curated products.
However, there may be cases where there are no physical stores near you that carry additive-free foods. Even at nearby supermarkets, the selection of additive-free foods may be limited, making it difficult to find what you want. Even if they are available, they may be hard to find, or it may be difficult to verify the ingredients or manufacturing process.
In such cases, we recommend utilizing online stores that carry additive-free foods.
What is NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods?
NATUVIEW, a ketogenic food specialty brand, specializes in the online sale of low-carbohydrate foods. Our products are not only low in carbohydrates but also developed without the use of unnecessary food additives.
Additionally, some products available on the market may be low in carbohydrates but compromise on taste, resulting in a lack of flavor. Furthermore, even if sugar is not used to reduce carbohydrates, chemical sweeteners may be used as a substitute.
At NATUVIEW, we offer low-carb foods that are both delicious and safe. We use high-quality ingredients to create products that are low in carbohydrates without compromising on taste.
Recommended products from NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods
NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods, offers a wide variety of products, but the following are our top recommendations.
● Keto Bread
● Gluten-Free Chocolate Canelé
● Almond Chocolate
● Grass-Fed Butter Sandwich
● Basque Cheesecake
We will explain the features and recommended points of each product.
【Keto Bread】
Keto bread is a carefully crafted bread that is low in carbohydrates yet satisfying. When following a low-carb diet, bread made with wheat flour is generally considered a food to avoid. With NATUVIEW's Keto Bread, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying a low-carb diet.
NATUVIEW's Keto Bread is unique in that it contains no wheat or rice flour. Instead, it is made with almond and coconut flour, making it gluten-free. It is crafted using carefully selected ingredients and contains no additives. Additionally, it is made with a gentle production process that is kind to the body.
Despite its low-carb content, it offers a flavor that even bread lovers will appreciate, making it easy to incorporate into a sugar-free diet without feeling deprived.
Click here for the Keto Pan product page.＞
【Gluten-free chocolate canelé】
Gluten-Free Chocolate Canelé is a sweet treat that lets you fully enjoy the rich flavor of chocolate. The exterior is crispy, while the interior is moist and tender. Despite being low in sugar, it is rich and indulgent, with a deep, creamy flavor that spreads with each bite.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Canelé is made with fresh eggs and milk. The carefully selected ingredients give the dough a rich, smooth texture.The addition of rum gives it a rich aroma, making it a luxurious dessert for adults. It pairs well with coffee or wine, making it perfect for a special occasion.
The sweeteners used are erythritol and lakanto, which help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Being gluten-free is another appealing feature, making it enjoyable for those who are health-conscious or watching their sugar intake.
Click here for the gluten-free chocolate canelé product page.＞
【Almond Chocolate】
Almond Chocolate is a confectionery made by coating almonds with chocolate. The almonds are carefully roasted and caramelized. The chocolate is smooth dark chocolate. When you take a bite, the aroma of almonds and the rich flavor of chocolate spread throughout your mouth.
Almond Chocolate contains no sugar and uses natural sweeteners. Therefore, it is a treat that can be enjoyed even by those watching their sugar intake. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, making them nutritionally balanced. This is a delicious treat that combines a crisp texture and sweetness while being mindful of health and beauty.
Click here for the Amande Chocolat product page.＞
【Grass-fed butter sandwich】
Grass-fed butter sandwiches are cookies filled with butter. Grass-fed butter is made from milk produced by cows raised exclusively on pasture. NATUVIEW uses grass-fed butter from New Zealand, made from milk sourced from cows raised on natural pastures. It has a rich, creamy flavor and is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.
The cookies in the Grass-Fed Butter Sand are gluten-free, making them an ideal snack for those mindful of their health. Nuts such as walnuts and almonds contain high-quality fats, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. This dessert is not only delicious but also a healthy choice.
Click here for the Grass-fed Butter Sandwich product page.＞
【Basque cheesecake】
Basque cheesecake is a sweet treat with a crispy, golden brown crust and a fragrant aroma. It is made with a generous amount of rich cream cheese, offering a rich, flavorful taste. The addition of sour cream adds depth and a sophisticated flavor. The subtle saltiness from Guérande salt balances the flavors, creating a clean, well-rounded taste.
Basque cheesecake is creamy yet has a clean finish, making it a perfect pairing with champagne or wine. Crafted with meticulous attention to production methods and ingredient ratios, it offers a satisfying flavor and sense of fullness despite its low-sugar content.
Click here for the Basque cheesecake product page.
Foods without additives not only allow you to prioritize your health but also let you enjoy the natural taste of ingredients. The risks associated with food additives are not fully understood at this time.For a safer diet, we recommend choosing foods that are free from additives.
For additive-free and low-sugar bread and sweets, try NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods. NATUVIEW offers products that are low in carbohydrates without compromising on taste. They are made without food additives, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. For a healthier diet, we highly recommend giving them a try.
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