What foods contain artificial preservatives?

Artificial preservatives are found in a wide range of processed foods , helping to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. Common examples include packaged snacks like chips and crackers, canned goods like soups and vegetables, and soft drinks. Baked goods, such as cakes and cookies, also often contain preservatives to maintain freshness. Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats are another category that frequently contains artificial preservatives.

Are artificial preservatives safe?

Artificial preservatives are considered safe in small quantities by regulatory agencies like the FDA. These preservatives help prevent food from spoiling, extending the shelf life of processed foods. Examples include BHA, BHT, and sodium benzoate, which are commonly found in packaged snacks, baked goods, and soft drinks. However, some studies have raised concerns about potential long-term health risks, especially with high doses or regular consumption over time. There may be links to allergies, digestive issues, and even cancer for certain preservatives.

What is an example of an artificial preservative?

One example of an artificial preservative is BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) . It’s commonly used in processed foods like chips, cereals, and baked goods to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. BHA helps prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid, thus maintaining freshness and flavor. While BHA is recognized as generally safe by the FDA in small amounts, there are concerns about its long-term effects. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to BHA in large doses may be linked to cancer in animal studies.

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.Advertising DisclosureThis is a user-oriented comparison website, and we need to cover hosting and content costs, as well as make a profit. The costs are covered from referral fees from the vendors we feature. Affiliate link compensation does not affect reviews but might affect listicle pages. On these pages, vendors are ranked based on the reviewer’s examination of the service but also taking into account feedback from users and our commercial agreements with service providers. This website tries to cover important meal, coffee and pet food delivery services but we can’t cover all of the solutions that are out there. Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

back

Hmmm...

we couldn't find any matches for {value} double check your search for any typos

Artificial Preservatives: Are They Good or Bad in 2025?

A variety of chemistry containers filled with artificial preservatives.

Artificial preservatives are everywhere, from your favorite snacks to the cured meats in your fridge. These additives are designed to stop bacteria, mold, and oxidation from spoiling your food, making it last longer and stay safer on store shelves. But some people worried about the effects of consuming them in the long term.

Some people avoid artificial preservatives because of studies linking them to various issues like allergies, behavioral problems, or even cancer. Others trust that food regulators wouldn’t allow unsafe ingredients into the food supply. But the truth is more nuanced: artificial preservatives can be helpful, but they can also come with real concerns, especially when consumed in large quantities over time¹.

In this article, I'll break down everything you need to know about artificial preservatives. I’ll explain how they work, which ones are most common, how to spot them on labels, and whether you should be worried about their impact.

Quote from our nutritionist about the potential health effects of artificial preservatives

What Are Artificial Preservatives?

Artificial preservatives are chemical substances added to food to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. These preservatives help food maintain its freshness, texture, and flavor over time, allowing it to stay safe for consumption longer. There are three main types of artificial preservatives:

Antimicrobial preservatives: These prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold that can cause food to spoil or become unsafe. Common examples include sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

Antioxidants: Antioxidant preservatives slow down the oxidation process, which causes fats in food to go rancid. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are often used as antioxidants in processed foods.
Chelating agents: These bind to metals like iron and copper, which can accelerate the deterioration of food. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a commonly used chelating agent.

How Artificial Preservatives Keep Your Food Fresh

Artificial preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast that cause food to spoil. This helps extend shelf life and keeps food safe to eat for longer. Antioxidants like BHA and BHT slow oxidation, preventing rancidity in fats and oils.