Chemicals are often seen as something dangerous when associated with food. In reality, every type of food—from fruits and vegetables to processed products—is made up of natural chemical compounds. The sweetness of fruit, the bright colors of vegetables, the aromas we enjoy, and even the textures we’re familiar with all come from interactions between different molecules.

In modern food production, this understanding is used to maintain quality: stabilizing flavor, preserving freshness, adding nutrients, and ensuring products stay safe by the time they reach consumers.

The misconception comes from equating “chemical” with “harmful.” What determines safety isn’t whether a substance is natural or synthetic, but how it’s used—and at what amount. Under strict regulations from agencies like BPOM and international standards, various chemicals in food are formulated to be safe, beneficial, and effective.

What Are Chemicals in Food?

Food chemicals include natural compounds (like citric acid from citrus fruits) and synthetic compounds made specifically for food applications. Both have clear, measurable functions, such as:

  • enhancing or balancing flavor,
  • maintaining color and sensory quality,
  • aiding preservation,
  • improving nutritional value,
  • stabilizing texture and pH.

The food industry uses these ingredients according to safety standards set by BPOM, FAO/WHO, and other global authorities.

10 Chemicals in Food and Their Functions

A wide range of chemicals is used in food. Some come from natural sources, while others are synthesized for precise performance in food processing.

Below are some of the most common food chemicals and what they do.

  1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) 

MSG is a flavor enhancer that delivers umami and boosts savory notes without adding saltiness or sweetness.

Examples: instant noodles, snacks, seasoning blends.

  1. Vitamin A Palmitate

Vitamin A Palmitate is added to improve nutritional value—especially for vision and immune health.

Examples: fortified milk, margarine, breakfast cereals.

  1. Ethyl Maltol

Ethyl Maltol is a flavor enhancer with a warm, caramel-like aroma that enriches both foods and beverages.

Examples: baked goods, candies, flavored drinks.

  1. Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that balances flavor, provides mild natural sweetness, and helps stabilize pH.

Examples: ready-to-drink beverages, sauces, processed foods.

  1. Citric Acid

Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits; used as an acid regulator, flavor brightener, and stabilizer.

Examples: packaged drinks, candies, jellies.

  1. Sodium Benzoate 

Sodium benzoate is a preservative that prevents microbial growth, extending shelf life.

Examples: soft drinks, sauces, dressings.

  1. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

An antioxidant that prevents oxidation, maintains color, and helps keep products fresh.

Examples: fruit juices, cut fruit, baked goods.

  1. Aspartame

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used in sugar-reduced or diet products.

Examples: diet beverages, sugar-free candies, health products.

  1. Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is a preservative that keeps cured meats looking pink and safe by inhibiting harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum.

Examples: sausages, corned beef, ham.

  1. Natural & Synthetic Colorants

Colorants are used to create appealing and consistent colors.

  • Curcumin: natural yellow pigment from turmeric
  • Caramel: natural brown color
  • Tartrazine: bright yellow synthetic color

Examples: snacks, beverages, cakes, ice cream.

Are Chemicals in Food Dangerous?

The safety of chemicals in food depends on dosage and regulation. Any approved additive must pass strict evaluations from:

  • BPOM (Food and Drug Authority of Indonesia)
  • FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

When used within safe limits, these chemicals are not harmful. In fact, they help maintain quality, stability, and safety in many food products.

Chemicals play an essential role in maintaining flavor, color, texture, and overall quality in food. Whether natural or synthetic, their use is regulated to ensure they remain safe for consumption.

As a supplier of raw materials for the food industry, Bahtera Adi Jaya provides a range of food-grade chemicals—including MSG, Vitamin A Palmitate, Ethyl Maltol, and Glycine—produced under strict quality standards. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.