You grab a colorful seltzer from the cooler, its label promising “calm” and “focus.” Next to it, a bag of gummies boasts “sleep support,” and a snack bar is infused with something to “take the edge off.” In the modern wellness market, our food and drinks are increasingly expected to do more than just nourish; they’re designed to alter our mood, enhance our performance, and improve our health. But what’s really behind these enticing claims? It’s great that these additives are being phased out, but the process isn’t instant. Deadlines are still approaching, and products are in a transition period. This leaves a temporary gap where the responsibility for filtering out these unwanted ingredients falls directly on you, the shopper. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. This guide will give you simple, practical steps to become a confident label-reader and navigate the grocery aisles like a pro.
The ‘Transition Period’ Problem: Why You Still Need to Be Vigilant
It’s crucial to understand that when the FDA “bans” an additive or a substance loses its “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status, it doesn’t vanish from shelves overnight. The California Food Safety Act, for example, which banned four key additives, set a compliance deadline of 2027 [1]. This gives companies several years to sell existing stock and reformulate their products. This means that right now, in 2025, we are in a critical transition period. You can absolutely find products with safer, cleaner ingredients right next to older products that still contain the very additives making headlines. Being a savvy shopper during this time is your best defense.
Step 1: Master the Ingredient List, Not the Marketing
The front of a package is real estate for the marketing department. It’s covered in appealing words like “All-Natural,” “Wholesome,” “A Good Source of…,” and “Made with Real Fruit.” While not always misleading, these claims are designed to sell, not to fully inform. Your source of truth is always the legally mandated Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list on the back or side of the package.
- The Rule of Order: Ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight. The ingredient that makes up the most of the product is listed first. If you see sugar, corn syrup, or hydrogenated oil in the top three spots, it’s a major red flag that the product is highly processed.
- Look for Short Lists: While not a perfect rule, there’s a strong correlation: the shorter the ingredient list, the less processed the food tends to be. An apple has one ingredient: apple. A bag of fresh spinach has one ingredient: spinach. A snack cake can have over 30.
Step 2: Know Your ‘Enemies’—A Banned & Scrutinized Additives Checklist
You don’t need to be a chemist, but knowing the names of a few key players makes scanning labels much faster. Here are the top additives to watch for as they are phased out of the market:
- Red Dye No. 3 (or Erythrosine):
- What it is: A synthetic, vibrant red food coloring.
- Why the ban: Linked to cancer in animal studies; banned in cosmetics since 1990.
- Still found in: Some candies (especially seasonal ones), cake icings, and maraschino cherries.
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO):
- What it is: An emulsifier that keeps citrus flavors from separating in drinks.
- Why the ban: Contains bromine, which can accumulate in the body and affect thyroid health.
- Still found in: Some store-brand and regional citrus sodas. Major brands have mostly removed it. The FDA announced in 2023 a proposal to ban BVO, citing safety concerns [2].
- Potassium Bromate:
- What it is: A “flour improver” that makes bread dough stronger and more elastic.
- Why the ban: A potential human carcinogen. Banned in many countries and part of California’s ban [3].
- Still found in: Some commercial breads, rolls, and flour tortillas.
- Titanium Dioxide:
- What it is: A chemical used as a whitening and brightening agent.
- Why the concern: Banned as a food additive in Europe over concerns it could damage DNA. It is currently under increased scrutiny in the U.S.
- Still found in: Some popular candies, pastries, and salad dressings.
- Propylparaben:
- What it is: A preservative used to prevent mold and yeast growth.
- Why the concern: An endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen and potentially affect reproductive health. Also part of California’s ban.
- Still found in: Some packaged baked goods, pastries, and tortillas.
Step 3: Decode the “Code Names” and Vague Terms
As you can see from the list above, companies don’t always use the common name. Get familiar with the scientific names, like Erythrosine for Red Dye No. 3. Also, be wary of vague catch-all terms. While “Artificial Flavors” or “Natural Flavors” aren’t necessarily harmful, they are umbrella terms that can hide dozens of chemical compounds. Products with more specific ingredients, like “vanilla extract” or “peppermint oil,” are often a better choice because they offer more transparency.
Step 4: Embrace the ‘Perimeter Shopping’ Strategy
This is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make. The next time you’re in the grocery store, notice its layout. The perimeter, or outer ring, is typically where you’ll find:
- Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
- The butcher counter (fresh meat and poultry)
- The seafood counter
- The dairy and egg cases
These are whole, single-ingredient foods. The center aisles are where the highly processed, shelf-stable, packaged foods live—the very products most likely to contain the long list of additives you want to avoid. By simply trying to fill 80% of your cart from the perimeter, you automatically reduce your exposure to unwanted chemicals without having to read hundreds of labels.
Step 5: Leverage Technology to Be a Smarter Shopper
We live in a digital age, so put your smartphone to work! Several free or low-cost apps are designed to make healthy shopping easier. Apps like Yuka, Fooducate, and the EWG’s Healthy Living app [4] work on a simple principle:
- Open the app in the store.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan a product’s barcode.
- The app instantly gives you a score based on the product’s nutritional value and ingredient list, highlighting any problematic additives.
These apps can be a game-changer, especially when you’re starting. They do the heavy lifting of “decoding” the label for you and often suggest healthier alternatives.
Conclusion: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
The recent moves by the FDA and state lawmakers are putting us on a path toward a safer food supply. But turning that promise into a reality in your own kitchen requires a bit of know-how. It’s not about achieving perfection or feeling guilty about your choices. It’s about building small, consistent habits. Start by mastering the ingredient list, get to know a few key additives to avoid, shop the perimeter of the store, and let technology help you. By taking these steps, you’re no longer a passive consumer. You are an informed, empowered shopper taking control of your health and casting a vote for a cleaner, more transparent food future for everyone.
References
1.AARP. “Purposeful by Kumanu.” https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/health/purposeful-by-kumanu/?cmp=PDSMA2HDT7E8S&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22776562473&gbraid=0AAAAA_c1brzT10plcYqS_KSxijYCG-WpZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwtrXFBhBiEiwAEKen17VGZcPjSYtKD7YTQdM9J80R4ytopYjRYIda0Wzs7gfJPMIUSfLrzRoCczEQAvD_BwE
2.California Legislative Information. “Assembly Bill No. 418, Chapter 327.” https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB418
3.Capitol News Illinois. “State Senate Advances Bill to Ban Food Additives Linked to Health Problems.” https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/state-senate-advances-bill-to-ban-food-additives-linked-to-health-problems/
4.U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Final Rules.” https://www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FinalRules&sort=Date_First_FinalRule&order=DESC&showAll=true&type=basic&search=
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