Hidden Additives in Food Increase Mortality by 24%.

In 2025, KM Krost and a team studied 186,744 UK adults aged 40–75 from the UK Biobank (2006–2010). They used food surveys to track 37 ultra-processed food additives like flavor enhancers, coloring agents, and sweeteners, linking them to deaths over 11 years. They adjusted for total food intake to focus on additive effects.

Of 10,203 deaths, flavor additives raised death risk by 20% (HR 1.20), coloring agents by 24% (HR 1.24), and sweeteners like sucralose by 14% (HR 1.14). Specific additives like saccharin and maltodextrin also increased risk, while gelling agents slightly lowered it. Overall, ultra-processed foods were tied to higher mortality.

Avoid foods with additives like sucralose or artificial colors, choosing whole foods to lower health risks.