What’s Really in That Brightly Colored Drink?
Would you let your child drink antifreeze? Probably not. But what if I told you that some of the most popular children’s beverages contain the same chemicals used in antifreeze and industrial applications—and they’re completely legal?
Ingredients like propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol are added to slushies, soft drinks, and flavored beverages to prevent freezing solid, maintain texture, and enhance flavor. These substances have been approved for food use, but does that mean they’re truly safe—especially for children who consume them regularly?
Most parents assume that if something is being sold for kids, it must have been thoroughly tested and proven safe. But history tells a different story. How many times have regulators reversed course on previously “safe” food additives—after years of consumer exposure?
Video: Food Additives: More Than You May Have Bargained For
Understanding the complexities of food additives is crucial for making informed dietary choices. The following video, titled “Food additives: More than you may have bargained for,” provides valuable insights into how these substances are commonly used in our food supply. It delves into the reasons manufacturers incorporate additives, the potential health implications, and what consumers should be aware of when selecting food products.
This video underscores the importance of vigilance regarding the ingredients in our foods. By staying informed and reading labels carefully, we can make healthier choices and minimize exposure to potentially harmful additives. Advocating for stricter regulations and greater transparency in food labeling can also contribute to a safer food environment for everyone.
The Key Ingredients No One Talks About
Let’s break down the hidden chemical cocktail lurking in some of your child’s favorite drinks.
1. Propylene Glycol (PG) – The Antifreeze Ingredient
Propylene glycol is used in:
✔ Antifreeze (though it’s considered a “safer” alternative to ethylene glycol)
✔ De-icing solutions for airplanes
✔ E-cigarettes and vaping products
✔ Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
✔ Processed foods, slushies, and flavored syrups
Propylene glycol is classified as ‘Generally Recognized As Safe’ (GRAS) by the FDA, but this designation does not require long-term human trials. As a result, concerns remain about potential cumulative effects over time, especially with frequent consumption.
Potential risks of excess PG intake:
- Metabolic acidosis (excess acidity in the blood, leading to organ stress)
- Central nervous system depression (causing dizziness, confusion, and lethargy)
- Kidney stress (linked to toxicity at high levels)
2. Glycerol – The Industrial Sweetener
Glycerol is used in:
✔ Antifreeze and industrial lubricants
✔ Pharmaceuticals (including cough syrups and laxatives)
✔ Food and beverage stabilizers
The main issue with glycerol is how much is too much? The body can metabolize small amounts, but excessive intake can cause dizziness, nausea, and metabolic disturbances.
3. Artificial Dyes & Preservatives – The Bright but Dangerous Side of Food
What gives slushies their eye-popping, unnatural colors? Synthetic dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5, linked to:
- Hyperactivity and behavioral issues (especially in children)
- Allergic reactions and sensitivities
- Potential long-term metabolic effects
Food dyes and preservatives like sodium benzoate have been banned in some countries but remain widely used in the U.S. The question is—why?
The Regulatory Loophole: Why Are These Still Allowed?
One of the biggest problems in food safety regulation is that ingredients are assessed individually, not collectively.
For example:
- Propylene glycol is tested alone and deemed safe.
- Glycerol is tested alone and deemed safe.
- Artificial dyes are tested alone and deemed safe.
But what happens when a child consumes all three in one slushy—along with other additive-laden foods throughout the day?
This is known as cumulative exposure, and regulators don’t account for it. That means kids could be consuming multiple “safe” chemicals that may interact in unknown ways over time.
The Illusion of Safety: A Historical Perspective
The Hatchard Report’s article, The Elixir of Eternal Life, highlights how often society has embraced substances as beneficial—only to later discover their harms.
A few examples:
- Lead was used in paints and pipes for centuries before being recognized as toxic.
- Trans fats were once considered healthier than butter—until they were linked to heart disease.
- Artificial sweeteners like saccharin were once praised as a miracle for dieters—before being linked to potential cancer risks.
So, if history keeps proving that we underestimate food risks, why should we assume propylene glycol, glycerol, and artificial dyes are any different?
The real concern isn’t just a single drink—it’s a lifetime of exposure to substances we don’t fully understand.
What About Unlabeled Drinks? The Hidden Risk in Convenience Stores & Street Vendors
You might be thinking: “Well, I’ll just check the label and avoid these ingredients.”
But what if there is no label?
Many slushies, snow cones, and fountain drinks are sold without any ingredient list.
- Street vendors and food trucks serve drinks with unknown contents.
- 7-Eleven, gas stations, and convenience stores sell over-the-counter slushies without ingredient transparency.
- Fast food chains don’t always disclose full ingredient lists.
Unlike bottled drinks, these beverages aren’t required to list additives, making it impossible for consumers to make informed choices.
If cigarettes and alcohol require health warnings, should artificially dyed, chemical-laden beverages have to disclose their risks too?
Where Else Are These Chemicals Hiding?
Beyond slushies, propylene glycol and glycerol are also found in:
- Flavored yogurts and dairy products
- Packaged baked goods and frostings
- Processed syrups and energy drinks
- Certain candies and gum
That means even if a child doesn’t drink slushies, they could still be consuming these chemicals daily.
How many additive-laden products are they consuming at once?
What to Drink Instead? Safer Alternatives
Instead of chemical-heavy slushies and artificially flavored drinks, opt for:
✔ Homemade fruit slushies (blend frozen fruit + water + a splash of real juice)
✔ Coconut water with natural flavors (hydrating and naturally sweet)
✔ Infused water with fresh fruit slices (a refreshing, chemical-free option)
Final Thought: Who Benefits From These Additives?
The food industry relies on cheap, artificial ingredients to cut costs and extend shelf life. But at what cost to human health?
The next time you or your child reach for a brightly colored drink, ask:
❓ Why are we consuming chemicals used in antifreeze?
❓ Why don’t over-the-counter drinks disclose their ingredients?
❓ Who benefits from keeping consumers in the dark?
We don’t need another lesson in food safety learned too late.
Food safety isn’t just about what’s ‘allowed’—it’s about what’s truly safe. And history has shown us, time and time again, that we can’t afford to wait until it’s too late.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for dietary concerns.
What You Can Do Next:
✔ Check labels—and avoid drinks without them
✔ Ask vendors what’s in their beverages
✔ Share this information—because the food industry won’t change unless consumers demand better.
Further Reading
Articles:
The five foods doctors think kids should never eat
This article from The Telegraph discusses common children’s foods that may contain harmful additives and explains why they should be avoided.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/parenting/children/foods-kids-shouldnt-eat/
Food Additives and Child Health
Published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this article explores the potential adverse effects of food additives on children’s health, emphasizing the need for updated regulations and better labeling.
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/2/e20181408/37584/Food-Additives-and-Child-Health
Propylene Glycol in Food: Is This Additive Safe?
This Healthline article examines the uses of propylene glycol in food and cosmetics, discussing its safety profile and potential health risks.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/propylene-glycol
Books:
Food Additives and Hyperactive Children [amazon.com]
by C. Keith Conners
This book presents studies on the relationship between food additives and behavioral issues in children, offering insights into how certain additives may affect learning and activity levels.
Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know [amazon.com]
by the American Academy of Pediatrics
This comprehensive guide provides information on children’s dietary needs, including discussions on food additives and how they may impact health.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Video:
Food additives: More than you may have bargained for
This video explores the prevalence of additives in our food supply and their potential health implications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O2C0CAOnzU
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