Food Ingredient Checker
Not sure what is in your food? Search common ingredients and additives to learn what they are, where they show up, and whether they are safe, worth limiting, or best avoided.
Red 40
AvoidAlso known as: Allura Red AC, E129
A synthetic petroleum-derived red food dye linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Yellow 6
AvoidAlso known as: Sunset Yellow, E110
A synthetic yellow-orange dye used in snacks and drinks, flagged for behavioral effects.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
AvoidAlso known as: HFCS
A cheap liquid sweetener linked to obesity and metabolic issues when consumed in excess.
Aspartame
LimitAlso known as: E951, NutraSweet, Equal
A low-calorie artificial sweetener about 200x sweeter than sugar, used in diet sodas and sugar-free foods.
Sucralose
LimitAlso known as: E955, Splenda
A zero-calorie artificial sweetener around 600x sweeter than sugar, stable for baking.
Acesulfame Potassium
LimitAlso known as: Ace-K, E950
A calorie-free artificial sweetener often blended with aspartame or sucralose.
Monosodium Glutamate
LimitAlso known as: MSG, E621
A flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste, common in processed and restaurant foods.
Maltodextrin
LimitA highly processed carbohydrate used as a filler and thickener with a high glycemic index.
Palm Oil
LimitA widely used vegetable oil high in saturated fat with significant environmental concerns.
Xanthan Gum
GoodAlso known as: E415
A plant-based thickener and stabilizer produced by fermentation, safe in normal amounts.
Soy Lecithin
GoodAlso known as: E322
A natural emulsifier from soybeans that keeps ingredients blended; safe for most people.
Citric Acid
GoodAlso known as: E330
A natural acid used for tartness and preservation, found in citrus and added to many foods.
Scan a label, decode every ingredient
Goby AI instantly flags additives to avoid, limit or enjoy — right from the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you rate ingredients?
Each ingredient is rated Good, Limit or Avoid based on regulatory guidance and peer-reviewed research, with references linked on every page.
Are 'Avoid' ingredients dangerous?
An Avoid rating means there is meaningful evidence of risk or that the ingredient offers no benefit while adding potential harm. Occasional exposure is rarely dangerous.