Ingredient

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Ingredients for short rib soup Galbi-tang ingredients.jpg
Ingredients for short rib soup

In a general sense, an ingredient is a substance which forms part of a mixture. In cooking, recipes specify which ingredients are used to prepare a dish, and the term may also refer to a specific food item in relation to its use in different recipes. Many commercial products contain secret ingredients purported to make them better than competing products. In the pharmaceutical industry, an active ingredient is the ingredient in a formulation which invokes biological activity.

Contents

The ingredient list on a can of marrowfat peas. Besides peas, the product also contains water, salt, and the antioxidant E385. Euroshopper canned marrowfat peas ingredient list.jpg
The ingredient list on a can of marrowfat peas. Besides peas, the product also contains water, salt, and the antioxidant E385.

National laws usually require prepared food products to display a list of ingredients and specifically require that certain additives be listed. Law typically requires that ingredients be listed according to their relative weight within the product. [1]

Etymology

From Middle French ingredient, from Latin ingredientem, present participle of ingredior ('to go or enter into or onto').

Artificial ingredient

An artificial ingredient usually refers to an ingredient which is artificial or human-made, such as:

See also

References

  1. "Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide". Food and Drug Administration. April 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2015.