Petroleum, made up of hydrocarbons, is typically linked to fuels like gasoline, but surprisingly, it’s also found in our food. These byproducts are refined into additives, like artificial dyes, that are commonly used to color snacks and drinks. What’s worse is that many of these petroleum-based additives show up in products marketed to children, such as bright candies and sports drinks. The fact that these chemicals are hidden in everyday foods, especially those aimed at kids, is alarming and raises serious concerns about long-term health effects.
How Petroleum-Based Additives Sneak Into Everyday Foods
Petroleum-based additives, especially in the form of artificial food colorings, are sneakily present in some of America’s favorite snacks and drinks. Whether it’s the bright blues in sports drinks or the vibrant reds in candies and cakes, these dyes make products look more appealing but come with hidden dangers. While countries like Great Britain have stepped up and banned many of these harmful additives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still gives them the green light. This is despite the fact that there’s a ton of research out there showing the negative effects these chemicals can have on our health.
What makes this even more concerning is that the FDA’s approval hasn’t budged, even though the evidence linking petroleum-based dyes to issues like allergies, hormonal disruptions, and hyperactivity is piling up. So while these ingredients are quietly making their way into everyday foods, most of us don’t even realize the potential harm. Other countries have drawn the line, but here in the U.S., it’s up to consumers to pay attention and make more informed choices about what’s in the food we eat.
With regular consumption, ‘petroleum-rich’ foods have been proven to cause:
- Weight gain
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetes
- Allergic reactions and flare-ups
- Hormonal imbalances (Increases estrogen and decreases testosterone)
- Birth defects
- Cancer
- Hyperactivity and ADD/ADHD
Two of the most common and concerning additives you’ll find in processed foods are yellow dye #5 and red dye #40. Shockingly, about 90% of all dyed foods contain one or both of these chemicals. While these dyes might make snacks look more colorful and appealing, they come with some serious health risks. Both yellow dye #5 and red dye #40 are known to cause allergic reactions in some people, and even worse, they’ve been linked to cancer. Despite this, they’re still used in tons of foods, especially those aimed at kids. It’s a good reminder to check those labels and be mindful of what’s really in the snacks we’re eating.
5 Popular Snacks Loaded with Harmful Petroleum-Based Chemicals
Now knowing the grave dangers of eating petroleum-based dyes and petroleum-preservatives, the prevalence and quantity of these toxins in children’s foods is concerning. Marketing harmful foods towards children is not worrisome, it’s irresponsible.
Pop Tarts
Beloved by children and adults alike, this iconic brand is seemingly innocent; marketed a fruit-filled breakfast convenient option. But, America’s go-to quick morning breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up isn’t as innocent as you think. Each tart contains TBHQ (Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone), a petroleum-based product and red dye #40, both scientifically-proven to damage DNA and trigger cellular dysfunction. In fact, in several lab studies, test-animals experienced vision loss, neurotoxic side-effects, the development of tumors and even paralysis.
This is only worsened by the high dosage of high fructose corn syrup and dextrose found in pop tarts, which have been known to trigger diabetes and liver malfunction in children. It’s safe to say that pop tarts are far from a healthy start to your day.
M & Ms
M & M’s iconic colorful chocolate coating is far from healthy. In fact, each chocolate sphere is encased in a bright color-coated toxic shell. Due to the wide range of colors available in each M & M bag, there are a wide variety of colored dyes, including yellow dye #5 and #6, as well as red dye #40. These seemingly innocent color-coated chocolates are a far cry from help, scientifically-linked to diabetes and hyperactivity in children.
Fruit Snacks
The amount of children’s snacks marketed as “natural” or “fruit-filled” is staggering; especially given the fact that petroleum-based dyes are the primary ingredient used to achieve their bright color. Laced in between the sugars, like high fructose corn syrup is a troubling amount of colored dyes, especially red dye #3. This is troubling given that this red dye has been correlated to thyroid tumors. Skip the fruit snacks that are posing as healthy and opt for the real thing!
Teddy Grams
Hidden behind the cute bite-sized teddy facade is a long list of harmful petroleum ingredients. Specifically, teddy grams are ridden the TBHQ, reported to induce vomiting, nausea, and difficulty breathing in children. Do your children a favor and walk right past these “cute” snacks on your next grocery shop.
Cheetos
Coated in yellow dye #6, with every bite of Cheetos, you’re cheating your health. Its distinct bright orange color is a telltale sign of petroleum, which by now we know is a sign that we should avoid it at all costs! What’s worse, these notoriously addicting cheese-flavored snacks are also chock full of two other petroleum products: methyl benzoate and Ethyl methylphenylglycidate. Put your health first and steer clear of these petroleum-laden snacks.
Making Healthier Choices
It’s hard to believe that something as common as snacks could be loaded with harmful petroleum-based chemicals, but the reality is, many of the treats we’ve grown up with are packed with these additives. From the colorful shells of M&Ms to the seemingly harmless Pop-Tarts, these foods are doing more harm than we realize. The good news is, once you know what to look for, it becomes easier to avoid these toxic ingredients and make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
At the end of the day, staying informed is key. By opting for whole, less-processed foods and keeping an eye on ingredient lists, you can drastically reduce your exposure to these dangerous chemicals. So, the next time you’re grocery shopping, think twice before grabbing those brightly colored snacks. Your body—and especially your kids’—will thank you for it.
