Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common food additive used primarily as a whitening or brightening agent. While its function is purely cosmetic, concerns have been raised about its potential health effects, leading consumers to seek out information about What Foods Have Titanium Dioxide and how to avoid them. This guide provides insights into common food products that may contain TiO2 and offers suggestions for titanium dioxide-free alternatives.
Macaroni and Cheese
Surprisingly, some brands of macaroni and cheese utilize titanium dioxide to enhance the color of the cheese sauce. For example, Wegmans’ boxed Original Mac ‘n Cheese contains titanium dioxide.
However, Kraft Original Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Dinner demonstrates that it’s possible to create a visually appealing mac ‘n’ cheese without the need for this additive. This illustrates that manufacturers have options when deciding what foods have titanium dioxide.
Soups
Canned soups, particularly cream-based varieties, sometimes include titanium dioxide for color enhancement. Campbell’s Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder Soup is one such example.
On the other hand, Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder Flavored with Bacon manages to achieve a desirable appearance without TiO2, proving that it’s not a necessary ingredient for a flavorful and visually appealing chowder.
Pastries
Titanium dioxide can also be found in some pastries and sweet treats. While Cloverhill Cherry and Cheese Danish contains titanium dioxide, you can enjoy alternatives like Hostess Danish, Berries & Cream Cheese and Favorite Day Strawberry Cheese Danish, which are free of this additive. These examples are crucial for consumers tracking what foods have titanium dioxide.
Cheeses
Pre-shredded cheeses sometimes contain titanium dioxide to improve their whiteness and prevent caking. Kraft Cheddar Fat Free Shredded Cheese is a product where titanium dioxide is used.
Fortunately, options like Great Value Shredded Fat Free Mild Cheddar Cheese prove that you can still enjoy shredded cheese without the additive.
Gravy
Some pre-made gravy products utilize titanium dioxide. Great Value Country Sausage Gravy is an instance of a product that contains this additive. However, brands like Cambell’s Country Style Sausage Gravy and Chef-mate Country Sausage Gravy offer titanium dioxide-free options.
Kids’ Meals
Parents should be particularly vigilant about what foods have titanium dioxide, as it’s sometimes found in products marketed towards children. For example, Lunchables Uploaded Meal Kit – Turkey Ham & American Sub Sandwich contains the additive.
Meanwhile, classic Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Cheese with Crackers and Lunchables Ham & American Cheese do not, offering healthier choices for children.
Snack Mixes
The multicolored candies in snack mixes are often a source of titanium dioxide. Both Tops Classic Trail Mix and Publix Trail Mix, Nut & Chocolate utilize TiO2 for their colorful candies.
However, Giant Monster Trail Mix demonstrates that appetizing snack mixes can be made without this additive.
Cookies
Some cookies, like Little Debbie Fudge Rounds, use titanium dioxide to enhance their appearance. Fortunately, other soft cookie options, such as Oreo Cakesters Soft Snack Cakes, achieve attractive colors without resorting to TiO2.
How to Avoid Titanium Dioxide in Your Diet
The most effective way to minimize your exposure to titanium dioxide is to carefully read food labels and become familiar with the products that commonly contain this additive. By opting for titanium dioxide-free alternatives whenever possible, you can make informed choices that align with your health and dietary preferences. While eliminating TiO2 from your diet may require extra vigilance, the availability of numerous alternative products makes it achievable.
