Tips, guides, and insights to help you make healthier food choices.
Acesulfame K (E950) is often blended with other sweeteners in soda and yogurt. It contains carcinogens like methylene chloride. Kale rates it Caution (Orange).
Allura Red (E129), or Red 40, is the most common food dye in the US. It's banned in many European countries for kids. See why Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Aluminum (E173) is a metallic food coloring used in cake decorations. It's a suspected neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer's and bone issues. Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Aspartame (E951) is found in Diet Coke, gum, and thousands of 'sugar-free' products. The WHO recently classified it as a 'possible carcinogen.' Kale rates it Caution (Orange).
Azodicarbonamide (E927a) is a dough conditioner known as the 'yoga mat chemical.' It's banned in the EU and Australia but legal in the US. Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
BHA (E320) is a common preservative found in chips and cereals, but it's also a potential carcinogen. Learn why Kale rates it as Avoid (Red).
BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative often found with BHA. It's linked to cancer risk and hormone disruption. See why Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Cyclamate (E952) is an artificial sweetener banned in the US since 1969 due to cancer concerns, but still legal in Canada and Europe. Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Everything you need to know about E171 (Titanium Dioxide), why it's used, the health risks that led to its EU ban, and how to spot it in your food.
Why is Sodium Nitrite found in almost every processed meat? Learn about the cancer risks linked to E250 and how to find safer alternatives.
MSG (E621) is a flavor enhancer that has sparked decades of debate. Is it really harmful, or is it just a victim of bad PR? Kale rates it Caution (Orange).
Not all nitrates are created equal. Understand the difference between natural nitrates in vegetables and the synthetic preservatives E251 & E252 found in processed meats.
Potassium Bromate (E924a) is an oxidizing agent used to strengthen dough. It is a known carcinogen banned in Europe, Canada, and China, but still legal in the US. Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Sodium Benzoate (E211) is a common preservative in soda and pickles. When mixed with Vitamin C, it can form carcinogenic benzene. Kale rates it Caution (Orange).
Sucralose (E955), known as Splenda, is a heat-stable artificial sweetener. But recent studies show it can form toxic compounds when heated. Kale rates it Caution (Orange).
Sunset Yellow (E110), or Yellow 6, is an artificial orange dye linked to hyperactivity and tumor risks. Find out why Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Tartrazine (Yellow 5) is a bright lemon-yellow dye found in sodas, candy, and chips. It's linked to hyperactivity in kids and allergic reactions. Find out why Kale rates it Avoid (Red).
Learn how to read and understand food labels to make healthier choices at the grocery store.