Food ingredients, including food additives, are as varied in their source as in their function. Some food additives come from mineral sources that contain phosphorus compounds, which can be USED to help foods retain moisture. Other additives come from plant sources like seaweed and kelp, which naturally produce compounds that can be used for thickening foods and maintaining texture. Another source of food ingredients is microbiological substances (e.g., probiotics), which are added to foods to IMPROVE digestive health. Additives may also come from CROPS like corn or from ITEMS that might be discarded like the rinds of citrus fruits.

Food ingredients, including food additives, are as varied in their source as in their function. Some food additives come from mineral sources that contain phosphorus compounds, which can be used to help foods retain moisture. Other additives come from plant sources like seaweed and kelp, which naturally produce compounds that can be used for thickening foods and maintaining texture. Another source of food ingredients is microbiological substances (e.g., probiotics), which are added to foods to improve digestive health. Additives may also come from crops like corn or from items that might be discarded like the rinds of citrus fruits.