Difference between Preservatives and Additives

The to ditivos and preservatives are generally used in the context of food. We commonly read on the labels of various products that they contain this or that preservative and additive. But if you think that both are the same; you are in error, because there are differences between the two that we will take care to explain to you below. Difference between Preservatives and Additives

ADDITIVES  Difference between Preservatives and Additives

vesAdditives are substances that are added to food in order to affect its characteristics: smell, texture, flavor … above all, it is common for them to be used to improve or enhance this last characteristic. Although sometimes they are also used to improve the appearance of products.

Additives can be classified into two types: direct and indirect. Direct additives are those that are added directly to food and indirect additives are those to which the food is exposed; but they are not added intentionally.

Thus, for example, antioxidants are used as additives to avoid flavor changes, deterioration and loss of color caused by exposure to air. E mulsionantes are used to keep water and oil mixed. Polysorbates 60 and 80 are used in some types of coffee and artificial cream. Likewise, many additives are also used as thickening agents.

PRESERVATIVES

They are substances that are added to food in order to preserve and preserve them from the microorganisms present in them, so that they increase the time that said food takes to expire or expire.

For example, salt has been used as a preservative for a long time. It kills bacteria that can be harmful to the substance. 

Preservatives can be obtained from natural sources such as the aforementioned salt and also sugar, vinegar and citrus juice … or they can be synthetic. Most preservatives focus on reducing or preventing the growth of fungi, mold, and yeast.

In conclusion, preservatives seek to extend the shelf life of food.

Differences between preservatives and additives

1. Preservatives are substances that are added to food in order to preserve it longer, while additives are mostly used to add or change the taste and color of food products.
2. Examples of preservatives: benzoic acid, sodium nitrate, so2 …
3. Examples of additives: aspartame, red 40, yellow 5 …