Natural Additives in Foods

Additives have been used in the food sector for centuries to maintain or improve food quality. However, several synthetic food additives have been correlated with adverse reactions in humans, leading to the review and discussion of their safety by international organizations. As a result, synthetic food additives have been replaced with natural food additives. Natural additives in foods offers an comprehensive analysis of the latest advances in the application of natural additives in the food sector, covering natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants, and sweeteners. It also focuses on unconventional sources of natural additives, valorization, toxicological aspects, consumer attitudes, and regulatory aspects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 374 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Additives have been employed in the food industry for centuries, with the primary objective of preserving or enhancing food quality in terms of freshness, appearance, texture, and taste. The majority of food additives are synthetic chemical compounds categorized as antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants, and sweeteners. Over the past few decades, several synthetic food additives have been linked to adverse reactions in humans, prompting international organizations to reassess the safety of these additives. Simultaneously, there has been a growing demand among consumers for more natural and environmentally friendly food products and additives. Consequently, synthetic food additives have been replaced with natural alternatives. While the use of natural additives is a highly debated topic in food science, no comprehensive book has yet systematically reviewed the application of natural additives in food products.

Natural additives in foods offers a comprehensive examination of the latest developments in the utilization of natural additives in the food industry. This text delves into natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants, and sweeteners, while also exploring unconventional sources of natural additives, their valorization, toxicological considerations, consumer attitudes, and regulatory aspects. The primary applications of natural antioxidants are extensively covered, encompassing polyphenols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, tocopherols, and proteins. Natural antimicrobial applications, ranging from polyphenols and essential oils to poly-L-Lysine, are analyzed, as are natural colorants such as anthocyanins, annatto, betalains, and paprika. The study of encapsulation, trapping, and adsorption of natural additives is explored, with a significant emphasis on consumer perceptions and preferences. Researchers will find up-to-date regulatory guidelines specific to the United States and European Union.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031173455
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023