Are Harmful Chemicals Hiding in Your Food? What You Need to Know

In today’s world, processed foods dominate grocery store shelves—but have you ever stopped to read the ingredient list? Many of the foods we eat daily contain hidden chemicals linked to health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption, and metabolic disorders. From artificial sweeteners and preservatives to pesticide residues and industrial additives, these substances may be impacting your well-being more than you think.

Here are 10 food additives I avoid as a nutritionist—especially the last one!

Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate – Found in processed meats (hot dogs, bacon) linked to cancer.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylayed Hydroxytoluene) – Found in cereal, chips and processed foods (Kellogg Apple Jacks cereal, potato chips, wheat thins crackers) possible carcinogen.
Probylparaben – Used in baked goods (store-brand packaged pastries and muffins) linked to hormone disruption.
Potassium Bromate – Added to bread for texture (Ole Mexican corn tortillas, Sara Lee cinnamon rolls) classified as a possible carcinogen.
Aspartame – found in diet sodas and sugar-free products (Wrigley’s EXTRA sugar free gum, Diet Coke) linked to neurological issues.
Sucralose – Found in sweet beverages / foods and energy drinks (5 hour energy, Coffee Mate Sugar free creamer, Propel water) May alter gut bacteria and metabolism.
Canola Oil– Found in processed or prepared foods (McDonalds fries and McNuggets, Ken’s simply vinaigrette greek dressing, Nestle Coffee Mate liquid coffee creamer-French vanilla) can contribute to inflammation, which is linked to chronic diseases.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – Found in sweets (Oreos, animal crackers, Ritz crackers) linked to obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver.
Maltodextrin – Found in highly processed carbohydrate foods (Gold fish Crackers, Dorito chips, Smuckers reduced fat peanut butter) known to spike blood pressure leading to insulin resistance.
Artificial Food Dyes (Red-40, yellow-5, Blue-1, etc.) – Found in foods marketed to children (skittles, Swedish fish, Lucky Charm cereal, Coca-Cola, Smuckers sugar free strawberry jelly) linked to hyperactivity and potential health risks.