Additive-Free Diets for Children

According to the National Institutes of Health, food additives are "substances that become part of a food product when added, either intentionally or unintentionally, during the processing or production of that food." Food additives that have been purposely added to foods, although you wouldn't want them in your child's diet, include maintaining product consistency, improving or preserving nutrient value and maintaining wholesomeness. Additives that have been unintentionally added to food include pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics and residue from handling.

Shopping and Preparation

Grocery stores have many options.

An additive-free diet means eating only those foods that are free from added substances. For people who wish to provide an additive-free diet for their children, there are ways of selecting and preparing additive-free foods. One general guideline is to shop the periphery of the grocery store where there are fewer prepackaged food items. The freezer aisle also contains a wide selection of items, such as frozen fruits and vegetables that are free from additives.

Meat, Eggs and Dairy

The milk carton indicates whether or not there are additives in the milk.

By purchasing meat and dairy products that are labeled organic and hormone-free, shoppers are less likely to encounter food additives. It's important to read labels and become familiar with ingredient definitions. Unfortunately, processed and prepackaged foods such as deli meats, battered chicken and fish and hot dogs, some of children's favorite foods, are more likely to have additives than meats bought from the butcher. Ask the butcher about the source of the food--a conversation can yield helpful information.

Fruits and Vegetables

Organically grown produce is less likely to contain additives.

Purchasing local, organically grown and in-season produce reduces the chance of encountering additives because distributors don't have to rely on the addition of preservatives to maintain freshness over long journeys to the grocery store shelves. Even organic produce may have additives in the form of residue from storage crates or bacteria from being handled by stockers and other shoppers. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating is important, organic or not. And choose produce that your children enjoy--add grapes, berries or apple slices to a green salad to make it more appetizing to young palettes.

Grains

Most bread contains additives.

Cereals and prepackaged grains make up a large portion of children's diets, but many of these contain additives. Reading labels is essential for knowing what's inside the box. Purchasing whole grains and cereals and baking bread at home is one way of reducing additives in your child's diet, but eliminating additives altogether may not be possible. Flours and grains used for baking contain leavening agents and natural acids designed to extend the shelf life.

Beverages and Snacks

Store-bought snacks like crackers and cookies are likely to have additives.

Prepackaged snacks seem to be a staple in many children's diets. Additives are necessary for stabilization and preservation of these kinds of foods. It's likely that the only way to provide children with additive-free snacks and beverages is to prepare them from scratch using organically grown whole grains such as oats, rice and wheat flours.