Also listed as: rapeseed oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, mixed vegetable oil

Industrially extracted with heat and chemical solvents (hexane). Extremely high in omega-6 linoleic acid, which drives systemic inflammation when consumed in excess. Unstable and prone to oxidation — damaging even before the bottle is opened.

FOUND IN: mayo, aioli, dressings, sauces, baked goods, protein bars

Also listed as: glucose-fructose syrup, corn syrup, dextrose, rice syrup solids

Highly refined carbohydrates that spike blood sugar rapidly and bypass normal satiety signals. Often derived from GMO corn. Maltodextrin has a glycaemic index higher than table sugar and is commonly used as a cheap filler in powders and supplements.

FOUND IN: ketchup, sweet chilli, BBQ sauce, stock cubes, protein powders

sodium benzoate · potassium sorbate · sorbic acid

211 (sodium benzoate) can react with ascorbic acid in the bottle to form benzene — a known carcinogen. Linked in research to hyperactivity in children and gut microbiome disruption. Found in the majority of commercial condiments.

FOUND IN: tomato sauce, sweet chilli, dressings, carbonated drinks

MSG · disodium guanylate · disodium inosinate · ribonucleotides

621 (MSG) is a known excitotoxin — it over-stimulates neurons and can worsen anxiety, headaches, and inflammatory conditions in sensitive individuals. 627/631/635 are typically derived from yeast extract or pork and are frequently listed alongside MSG to amplify the effect at lower doses.

FOUND IN: stock cubes, powdered gravies, flavoured chips, instant noodles

Also listed as: caramel colour, ammonia caramel, sulfite ammonia caramel

The 150c and 150d variants are produced using ammonia or ammonia-sulfite, generating 4-MEI — a compound classified as a possible carcinogen. Widely used to make BBQ sauces and cola drinks appear richer in colour than they actually are.

FOUND IN: BBQ sauce, cola, soy sauce, gravies, some stocks

A catch-all that can include: animal derivatives, MSG, castoreum, glutamates

One of the most opaque terms on a label. Manufacturers are not required to disclose what these flavours contain or how they're made. "Natural" does not mean clean — it simply means derived from a natural source at some point during processing.

FOUND IN: almost every processed food product

mono & diglycerides · DATEM · polysorbate 80 · carboxymethylcellulose

Synthetic emulsifiers disrupt the gut's protective mucus layer, increasing intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and altering the microbiome composition. Research has linked regular emulsifier consumption to low-grade colonic inflammation and metabolic syndrome.

FOUND IN: breads, margarines, dressings, ice cream, processed sauces

aspartame (951) · sucralose (955) · acesulfame K (950) · saccharin (954) · stevia / steviol glycosides (960)

Artificial sweeteners disrupt the gut microbiome and interfere with satiety signalling. Stevia, though plant-derived, is not without concern — according to Dr. Ben Lynch, it may inhibit the folate (B9) pathway, making it problematic for individuals with MTHFR gene variants, where it can potentially contribute to neurological symptoms. Not a safe blanket alternative.

FOUND IN: diet drinks, "light" yoghurts, protein powders, chewing gum, "natural" sweetener blends