20 Hidden Ingredients in Food That Are Worse Than Sugar

Most foods in our daily diets have secret components besides sugar that might be worse for our health. Obesity and heart disease are just a few of the long-term health problems these components can cause.

Tricia Quitales
March 21, 2025
5 min read

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Often found in processed and packaged goods, this article reveals 20 secret ingredients in food that might be more harmful than sugar. Knowing these ingredients helps customers choose better and lower their risk of chronic diseases. From trans fats to artificial sweeteners, these components—which greatly compromise our health are frequently used to improve taste or extend shelf life.

1. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

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HFCS is a common sweetener in many processed foods and beverages. It is linked to liver disease and mounting fat accumulation. Fat storage levels rise because the body handles HFCS differently than natural sugar.

2. Trans Fats

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Many packaged foods have trans fats that extend shelf life. They increase the risk of heart disease, aggravate inflammation, and lower good cholesterol levels. Some products still include them even though they are banned in many countries.

3. Aspartame

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Low-calorie sweetener aspartame is used in sugar-free products, like yogurt, gum, and sodas. Some studies have indicated it has negative consequences on brain function, including mood problems and headaches.

4. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

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MSG is a taste booster used in savory meals, including soups, sauces, and snacks. In certain cases, it has been shown to induce headaches, allergic reactions, and even obesity. Though widely used, health professionals still worry about its safety.

5. Artificial Colorings

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Processed snacks, candy, and drinks all have artificial colors added to appeal more. In some cases, these ingredients can induce hyperactivity, allergic responses, and even cancer. Many foods still include these dangerous colors despite the hazards.

6. BHA and BHT

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BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are preservatives used to increase the shelf life of goods, including cereals and chips. Both are hypothesized endocrine disruptors and have been linked in animal studies to cancer. Though some nations forbid them, others still use them.

7. Partially Hydrogenated Oils

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Commonly present in baked goods and fried foods, partially hydrogenated oils are a main source of trans fats. These fats fuel inflammation, heart disease, and weight gain. Certain manufacturers still use some, even if they are less common today.

8. Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite

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Processed meats, including bacon, sausages, and hot dogs, are kept using sodium nitrate and nitrite. These compounds can create dangerous molecules called nitrosamines, which have been connected to cancer. Regular eating of foods high in nitrates greatly raises health hazards.

9. Propylene Glycol

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Snacks, ice cream, and packaged goods all include propylene glycol as an additive. Though it helps retain moisture, it has been linked to digestive problems and skin irritation. Extended use can cause liver toxicity or kidney damage.

10. Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose, Saccharin)

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Sugar-free and “diet” products feature artificial sweeteners, including sucralose and saccharin. Studies indicate they could cause metabolic problems and upset gut flora. They might also bring about headaches, vertigo, and even a boost in sweet food cravings.

11. Corn Starch

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Many dishes, including soups and gravies, call for corn starch as a thickening agent. Though it gives texture, this processed carbohydrate can cause blood sugar surges. Insulin resistance and weight increase can be brought on by overconsumption.

12. RBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone)

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Dairy farming employs the hormone RBGH to increase cow milk output. This hormone has been linked to higher degrees of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which can help cancerous cells proliferate. Though it is outlawed in many nations, some milk products still contain it.

13. Dipotassium Phosphate

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Added to some beverages, processed meats, and dairy products is dipotassium phosphate. It can influence calcium absorption, which causes changes in bone condition. Its intake might also raise the risk of kidney disease.

14. Sodium Benzoate

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Sodium benzoate is a common preservative in drinks, pickles, and salad dressing. It has been linked to children’s hyperactivity and might trigger sensitive people’s allergies. Combined with vitamin C, it can generate benzene, a recognized carcinogen.

15. Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate

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Processed seafood and meat products contain tetrasodium pyrophosphate to help to preserve texture. It can damage kidneys in the long term, irritate the skin, and cause digestive problems. The use of it is quite debatable.

16. Caramel Coloring

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Sodas and other drinks often have rich color from caramel coloring. This component includes carcinogens like 4-MEI, which in animals has been connected to cancer. Consuming it in large quantities over time increases the risk.

17. Butylated HydroxyToluene (BHT)

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Processed foods, including cereals, chips, and crackers, have their shelf life extended by BHT acting as an antioxidant. It can throw off hormones and damage organs. Extended exposure could cause chronic diseases, including liver toxicity or cancer.

18. Polysorbate 80

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Ice cream, salad dressing, and even some vaccines contain polysorbate 80, an emulsifier. It has been connected to more inflammation and can lead to stomach issues. It might affect the gut flora and general immune system with time.

19. Dextrose

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Made from corn, dextrose is a sugar sometimes used as a sweetener in processed goods. Unlike ordinary sugar, dextrose can cause quick blood sugar spikes that induce insulin resistance. For those with diabetes, especially dangerous is its high glycemic index.

20. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

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Processed food and beverages contain a detergent and foaming agent called sodium lauryl sulfate. It may even cause ulcers and aggravate the mouth and digestive tract. Though mostly used in cleaning products, some foods and drinks contain it.