You Might Not Realize Your Plant-Based Swaps Have More Additives

For example, methyl cellulose and sodium alginate are additives frequently used in meat and fish alternatives because they are both commonly used to replicate the fibrous, chewy texture of animal proteins. In dairy alternatives, calcium carbonate appeared 11 times, giving products a white, creamy appearance and providing the calcium that dairy naturally contains. Carotenes (a natural food coloring) showed up in five alternative cheese products, likely to mimic the yellow hue of dairy cheese.