Most foods that are purchased for everyday consumption and which pass through some form of industrialized processing contain additives of one type or another. In a sense, humans have used food additives for thousands of years-the use of salt, spices, and other enhancements can be considered a basic foray into the art and science of food additives. This video explores a wide variety of food additive types, including colors, flavors, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents, antioxidants, and processing aids, any or all of which might be found in a typical packaged grocery item. Supported by exciting visual images and graphics, a respected food scientist discusses the core concepts of additives, why we use them, and what kind of impact they have on nutrition.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 12, 2013. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

History of Food Additives (1:29) -- Defining Food Additives (0:30) -- Natural vs Synthetic Additives (0:57) -- Ensuring Food Safety (1:47) -- Coloring Food (1:05) -- Flavoring Compounds (1:50) -- Emulsifiers (2:01) -- Gelling Agents (0:58) -- Stabilizers (1:45) -- Preservatives (1:50) -- Antioxidants (2:05) -- Processing Aids (3:04) -- Credits: All About Food Additives (0:38).