Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is almost a comfort food hero in busy households, but its ingredient list can be surprisingly complex. These pizzas often include E621, known as Monosodium Glutamate, to make flavors pop, but this additive has sparked controversy for causing headaches or sensitivities in some people. There’s also E300, or Ascorbic Acid, which acts as a preservative to keep the dough and toppings fresh for months in your freezer. E450, a diphosphate, is frequently added to improve the pizza’s texture and prevent sogginess after baking. According to the Food Standards Agency, most mainstream frozen pizzas list at least three or more E numbers on their packaging. In a recent 2024 consumer survey, over 70% of tested frozen pizzas contained more than five different food additives. For anyone watching their diet, it’s a wake-up call to turn the box over and check what’s really inside before sliding that pizza into the oven.
Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a family favorite, but beneath their crispy coating, they often hide a cocktail of E numbers. E250, or Sodium Nitrite, is used to keep the nuggets looking appetizingly pink and to extend shelf life, but this additive has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers when consumed in excess, according to the European Food Safety Authority. E339, or Sodium Phosphates, help maintain the juicy texture that makes nuggets so satisfying to bite into. The same 2024 EFSA report found that some frozen chicken nugget brands contained up to eight different E numbers. Even “kid-friendly” options frequently include E450 and E471 for texture and mouthfeel. These nuggets may taste familiar, but their ingredient lists are anything but simple, making it essential to check labels, especially for children and those sensitive to food additives.
Frozen Vegetables
It might be shocking to learn that even frozen vegetables, often seen as a health food, can contain several E numbers. Some brands add E160a (Carotenoids) to give vegetables a more vibrant color, making them look fresher than they really are. E202, or Potassium Sorbate, is used to keep mold and bacteria at bay, ensuring the veggies last longer in the freezer. The World Health Organization acknowledges that while these additives are generally safe, they can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. In 2024, a study revealed that 30% of frozen mixed vegetable products contained at least two different E numbers, usually for preservation and color enhancement. If you want pure vegetables, look for brands that promise “no additives” or opt for organic frozen options, which are less likely to contain E numbers.
Frozen Fish Fingers
Frozen fish fingers are a nostalgic staple, but their golden coating often owes its appeal to a blend of E numbers. E300, or Ascorbic Acid, helps keep the coating crisp, while E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) is sometimes added to boost flavor. The Marine Conservation Society’s 2024 review highlighted that about two-thirds of leading fish finger brands included at least three E numbers. E450 is also commonly present, ensuring the fish retains moisture and doesn’t turn rubbery when baked. Concerns about sustainability and additive use have prompted some brands to reformulate, but it’s still common to find a long list of E numbers on the back of the box. Consumers who want to avoid unnecessary additives should seek out “clean label” fish fingers, which are becoming more widely available.
Frozen Ready Meals
Frozen ready meals promise convenience, but they often come with a price: a long list of E numbers. E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) is almost always present to enhance the taste of these meals, while E330 (Citric Acid) is used to keep ingredients fresh and colorful. According to a 2024 Journal of Nutrition study, people who regularly consume processed ready meals have a higher risk of obesity and related conditions, partly because of the additives and preservatives used. E412 (Guar Gum) and E415 (Xanthan Gum) are often present to ensure sauces stay thick and creamy even after being frozen and reheated. Some ready meals list up to seven or eight E numbers, making them some of the most additive-heavy products in the freezer aisle. Shoppers should scrutinize the ingredient list and consider choosing options labeled as “additive-free” or “made with natural ingredients.”
Frozen Desserts
Ice cream, sorbet, and other frozen desserts can look innocent, but their smooth textures and bright colors often come from a mix of E numbers. E471, which includes mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, is used to keep ice cream smooth and prevent it from crystallizing. E407, or Carrageenan, adds thickness and a creamy mouthfeel. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently flagged these additives for possibly causing digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Many frozen desserts also contain E322 (Lecithin) and E410 (Locust Bean Gum), especially in lower-calorie or non-dairy varieties. In 2024, more than half of supermarket ice cream brands listed at least four different E numbers in their ingredients. For a more natural treat, look for brands that use simple, recognizable ingredients, or try making frozen desserts at home.
Frozen French Fries
Frozen French fries might seem like a straightforward food, but many brands include E numbers to keep them crispy and golden. E450 (Diphosphates) is common for texture enhancement, and E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) may be added to boost the savory flavor. The National Institutes of Health highlighted in 2024 that eating too many fried and highly processed foods is linked to heart health issues. E471 is also often found in French fries, helping to maintain their structure after freezing and baking. Some brands use E223 (Sodium Metabisulfite) to prevent discoloration. These additives aren’t always obvious, so it pays to check the packaging, especially for those who eat fries regularly or are sensitive to food chemicals.
Frozen Breakfast Foods
Frozen waffles, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches are morning time-savers, but they can be packed with hidden E numbers. E300 (Ascorbic Acid) keeps these items fresh, while E471 adds to that fluffy texture everyone loves. The American Heart Association in 2024 warned that processed breakfast foods often contain multiple additives, leading to increased sugar and salt intake. E322 (Lecithin) and E500 (Sodium Bicarbonate) are also popular for preserving texture and extending shelf life. Some frozen breakfast products list up to five E numbers, especially in “light” or “sugar-free” versions. Checking for short ingredient lists and avoiding artificially sweetened options can help reduce exposure to unwanted additives at the start of your day.
Frozen Meat Products
Frozen burgers, sausages, and meatballs can be loaded with E numbers to keep them looking fresh and tasting good after months in the freezer. E250 (Sodium Nitrite) is the go-to preservative, but it’s also linked to increased cancer risk according to the World Health Organization’s 2024 update on processed meat. E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) is often added for an extra flavor punch, making these meats more appealing. E451 (Triphosphates) and E452 (Polyphosphates) help retain moisture, preventing the meat from drying out during reheating. These additives can total up to seven different E numbers in a single product. Choosing minimally processed or “additive-free” meat products can help consumers avoid these chemical additives entirely.
Frozen Snacks
Frozen snacks like mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and mini egg rolls are crowd-pleasers at parties, but they’re usually heavy on E numbers. E471 is used to keep the texture just right through freezing and baking, while E621 makes the flavors more intense and appealing. E450 and E500 are added to enhance crispiness and maintain shape. A 2024 study in the Journal of Food Science found that regular consumption of processed snack foods correlates with unhealthier eating patterns in adults and children. E415 (Xanthan Gum) is also common for binding ingredients together. Anyone hoping to snack smartly should look for options with simple, natural ingredient lists and enjoy these treats in moderation.
