Ingredient Glossary
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
A zero-calorie artificial sweetener.
Limit
Why it's used: Adds sweetness, usually alongside sucralose.
Our take: Limit. Products we carry with it always show a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: It’s approved in the U.S. and EU, and EFSA updated its daily intake guidance in 2025. Many families simply prefer to limit artificial sweeteners, and Ace-K is often blended with sucralose. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Allulose
A rare sugar found in small amounts in foods like figs and raisins.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds sugar-like sweetness with very few calories.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: It’s a newer sweetener that’s still being studied, and some people report tummy discomfort at larger servings. FDA currently allows brands to leave it out of the "sugars" lines on the label, though it still counts in total carbs. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Artificial flavors
Flavor compounds made in a lab.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds or boosts flavor.
Our take: Okay. We’d rather see real-food flavor.
Why it's flagged: The exact components usually aren’t listed on the label. In 2018 FDA removed 7 synthetic flavoring substances from its approved list for legal reasons, while noting it didn’t consider them a risk at the levels used. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Aspartame
A zero-calorie artificial sweetener.
Limit
Why it's used: Sweetens diet sodas and sugar-free foods.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: In 2023, a WHO agency placed aspartame in a ’possible hazard’ category that calls for more research, while WHO/FAO experts kept the acceptable daily intake unchanged. FDA also requires a phenylalanine notice for people with PKU. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Avocado, olive & coconut oils (incl. MCT)
Oils pressed from avocados, olives or coconuts. MCT comes from coconut.
Clean
Why it's used: Used for cooking, frying, and creamy texture.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Beef tallow
Rendered beef fat.
Clean
Why it's used: Used for cooking and frying, and in skincare.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
BHA & BHT
Synthetic preservatives.
Limit
Why it's used: Keep fats and oils from going stale.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: These are synthetic preservatives that FDA still permits in small amounts. California lists BHA under Prop 65, and regulators in several places continue to review both. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Blue 1 & Blue 2
Synthetic food dyes.
Limit
Why it's used: Give foods a blue color.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: In 2025, FDA and HHS announced plans to work with industry to phase petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1 and Blue 2, out of the U.S. food supply. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Bone broth protein
Protein powder made from slow-simmered animal bones.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds protein with a savory or neutral base.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Caffeine anhydrous & high-stim blends
Concentrated, lab-made caffeine and other stimulants.
Okay
Why it's used: Used in pre-workouts and energy products.
Our take: Okay. Grown-ups only. Check the total per serving.
Why it's flagged: Concentrated caffeine is easy to over-serve, and FDA has cautioned consumers about highly concentrated and pure caffeine products. Some people report feeling jittery or restless with high-stim formulas. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Citric acid & malic acid
Acids found in citrus fruits and apples. Commercial versions are usually made by fermentation.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds tartness and keeps products fresh.
Our take: Clean. Usually used in small amounts.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Coconut sugar / coconut nectar
A sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm blossoms.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness with a light caramel taste.
Our take: Clean. Contains sugar.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Collagen peptides
Protein from animal connective tissue, broken down so it mixes easily.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds protein to powders, drinks and bars.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Colors from fruits and veggies, not dyes (beet, spirulina, turmeric)
Colors from fruits and veggies, not dyes: beets, spirulina, turmeric and fruit juices.
Clean
Why it's used: Gives products their color.
Our take: Clean. Colors from fruits and veggies, not dyes.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Colostrum
The first milk a cow produces after giving birth.
Clean
Why it's used: Used as a whole-food supplement ingredient.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Corn syrup solids
Dried corn syrup.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds sweetness and creaminess to creamers.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: It’s a concentrated added sugar. FDA’s label system uses a 50 g Daily Value for added sugars, and many families choose to keep added sugars on the lower side. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Creatine monohydrate
A compound made from amino acids, also found in meat and fish.
Clean
Why it's used: A common ingredient in fitness supplements.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Dates
Naturally sweet dried fruit.
Clean
Why it's used: Sweetens and binds bars and snacks.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium)
Minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium.
Clean
Why it's used: The core of hydration mixes and sports drinks.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Erythritol
A sugar alcohol used as a zero-calorie sweetener.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds sweetness and bulk without sugar.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: Some people report digestive discomfort at larger servings, and some recent studies suggest high intakes of erythritol deserve a closer look. Researchers say more study is needed. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Grass-fed whey protein
Protein filtered from milk, from pasture-raised cows when labeled grass-fed.
Clean
Why it's used: The main protein source in many shakes and bars.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Green 3 & other FD&C dyes / 'lakes'
Synthetic food dyes, including ’lake’ versions bound to minerals.
Limit
Why it's used: Add color to foods, coatings and candy.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: FDA is revoking Red No. 3 for food use (effective January 2027) and has announced plans to phase out other petroleum-based dyes like Green 3. "Lakes" are the same dyes in a form made for powders and coatings. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Gums (xanthan, guar, gellan, cellulose gum)
Thickeners made from fermentation, seeds or plant fiber.
Okay
Why it's used: Keep powders smooth and drinks from separating.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: Regulators like EFSA have reviewed common gums and raised no safety concern for the general population at normal use levels, but some people report bloating or digestive sensitivity. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
High-fructose corn syrup
A liquid sweetener made from corn starch.
Limit
Why it's used: Sweetens sodas and packaged foods.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: It’s a highly processed added sugar that’s common in sodas and snacks. FDA says it’s not aware of evidence that it’s less safe than table sugar or honey, but many families choose to limit added sugars overall. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Magnesium (glycinate, bisglycinate, threonate)
Magnesium bound to an amino acid or other carrier.
Clean
Why it's used: The mineral form used in many supplements and drink mixes.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Maltodextrin & dextrose
Quick carbohydrates, usually made from corn.
Okay
Why it's used: Used as fillers, carriers or fast carbs.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: These are fast-digesting carbs that can raise blood sugar quickly, so some families keep an eye on them, especially in products that are marketed as low-sugar. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Maple syrup
Boiled-down sap from maple trees.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness and flavor.
Our take: Clean. Contains sugar.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Methylated B vitamins (methylfolate, methylcobalamin)
Active forms of folate and vitamin B12.
Clean
Why it's used: Used as the B-vitamin source in supplements.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Monk fruit extract
A zero-calorie sweetener extracted from monk fruit, a small melon.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness without sugar, often alongside stevia or allulose.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Natural caffeine (green tea, coffee bean)
Caffeine taken from coffee beans or tea leaves.
Okay
Why it's used: Used in energy drinks, pre-workouts and coffee products.
Our take: Okay. For grown-ups. We list the milligrams per serving.
Why it's flagged: FDA notes that up to about 400 mg a day isn’t generally linked with negative effects for most healthy adults, though some people report jitters or trouble sleeping, and pregnant women and kids are often advised to check with a healthcare provider. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Natural flavors
A label term for flavorings from natural sources. One ’natural flavor’ can contain 100+ components.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds or rounds out flavor.
Our take: Okay. We try to find out every detail we can, as far as brands are willing to share. That isn’t always possible, because some brands keep exact formulas private to protect them from knock-offs.
Why it's flagged: "Natural flavor" can come from many different plant or animal sources, and U.S. rules don’t require the specific components to be listed, so some families like to know more about what’s behind the term. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Neotame & advantame
Very intense artificial sweeteners.
Limit
Why it's used: Sweeten in tiny amounts.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: These are very potent, newer sweeteners (FDA approved neotame in 2002 and advantame in 2014), so there’s less long-term real-world experience with them than with older options. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Organic cane sugar
Sugar from organically grown sugar cane.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness and texture.
Our take: Clean. Contains sugar.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Organic cocoa / cacao
Ground cacao beans.
Clean
Why it's used: Gives products real chocolate flavor.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Partially hydrogenated oils
Processed oils made solid by adding hydrogen.
Limit
Why it's used: Add shelf life and texture.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: FDA determined in 2015 that partially hydrogenated oils are no longer "generally recognized as safe," mainly because of their trans fat, and they’ve been phased out of U.S. foods. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Pectin
A natural fiber from fruit.
Clean
Why it's used: Helps gummies and jams set.
Our take: Clean. Plant-based alternative to gelatin.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Phosphoric acid
An acid used in sodas and drinks.
Okay
Why it's used: Adds tang.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: It’s what gives colas their tang. Some studies suggest that frequently drinking cola may be linked with lower bone mineral density in older women, though it isn’t clear that phosphoric acid is the reason. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Plant proteins (pea, rice, pumpkin)
Protein from peas, rice, seeds or legumes.
Clean
Why it's used: Dairy-free protein for shakes, bars and snacks.
Our take: Clean. Dairy-free.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Polysorbate 80
A synthetic emulsifier.
Okay
Why it's used: Keeps ready-to-drink shakes blended.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: It’s an approved emulsifier, but some animal studies suggest certain emulsifiers may affect gut bacteria. Researchers say more human studies are needed. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Prebiotic fiber (inulin, chicory, acacia, cassava fiber)
Plant fibers from roots like chicory and cassava, or from acacia.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds fiber and body to drinks, bars and powders.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate)
Common preservatives.
Okay
Why it's used: Keep drinks and foods shelf-stable.
Our take: Okay. We like it when a product doesn’t need them.
Why it's flagged: FDA has noted that sodium benzoate and vitamin C together can form trace amounts of benzene in some drinks, especially with heat or light. FDA’s testing found most beverages at very low levels. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Probiotics
Live friendly bacteria.
Clean
Why it's used: Added to supplements, drinks and snacks.
Our take: Clean. Strains and counts vary by brand.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Raw honey
Nectar that bees turn into a natural sweetener.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness and flavor.
Our take: Clean. Contains sugar.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Red 40 (Allura Red)
A synthetic food dye.
Limit
Why it's used: Gives drinks, candy and powders a red color.
Our take: Limit. Flavors we carry with it always show a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: In the EU, foods colored with Allura Red (E129) must carry the label "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children," and some studies suggest some kids may be sensitive to certain dye mixes. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Saccharin
One of the oldest artificial sweeteners.
Limit
Why it's used: Sweetens without sugar.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: It’s one of the oldest artificial sweeteners. It carried a U.S. warning label until 2000, when that requirement was lifted after further research, but some families still prefer to skip it. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, palm & more)
Refined oils from seeds such as canola, soybean, sunflower and safflower, plus palm oil.
Limit
Why it's used: Used for cooking and frying, and for texture.
Our take: Limit. Products we carry with them always show a heads-up. We prefer avocado, olive, coconut or tallow.
Why it's flagged: They’re rich in omega-6 fats, and some people prefer to balance them with more omega-3s. Research on how much this matters is still ongoing, which is why we flag them with a heads-up. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Sorbitol / maltitol
Sugar alcohols used in place of sugar.
Okay
Why it's used: Add sweetness and bulk to gum, candy and bars.
Our take: Okay. Fine for most families, in moderation.
Why it's flagged: Some people report digestive discomfort, and U.S. and EU rules require a "may have a laxative effect" statement on foods where intake of these sweeteners can run high. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Soy lecithin
An emulsifier made from soybeans.
Okay
Why it's used: Helps ingredients blend.
Our take: Okay. Sunflower lecithin is our pick when there’s a choice.
Why it's flagged: Soy is one of the major food allergens FDA requires on labels. Highly refined soy lecithin carries very little soy protein, but some families prefer sunflower lecithin. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Stevia leaf extract (incl. Reb A / Reb M)
A zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds sweetness without sugar.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Sucralose
A zero-calorie artificial sweetener made from sugar.
Limit
Why it's used: Adds sweetness without sugar.
Our take: Limit. Products we carry with it always show a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: It’s FDA-approved, but some recent lab studies suggest that a compound related to sucralose (sucralose-6-acetate) deserves a closer look, and research on sweeteners and the gut is still ongoing. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Sunflower lecithin
An emulsifier made from sunflower seeds.
Clean
Why it's used: Helps powders mix and keeps ingredients blended.
Our take: Clean. Soy-free.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Titanium dioxide (in food)
A white mineral pigment.
Limit
Why it's used: Makes foods and candies look bright white.
Our take: Limit. In food, if we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up. Mineral sunscreen is a different use.
Why it's flagged: The EU stopped allowing titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022 after EFSA said it could no longer be considered safe, because some concerns couldn’t be ruled out. FDA still permits it in U.S. foods. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Unrefined salt (sea, Himalayan, Celtic)
Salt that keeps its naturally occurring trace minerals.
Clean
Why it's used: Adds flavor and sodium.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, acerola)
Vitamin C, either isolated or from fruits like acerola.
Clean
Why it's used: Added as a nutrient and to keep products fresh.
Our take: Clean. A go-to for us.
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Xylitol
A sugar alcohol often made from birch or corn.
Okay
Why it's used: Sweetens gum, mints and oral-care products.
Our take: Okay. Keep products with it away from dogs.
Why it's flagged: Some people report digestive discomfort at larger servings. FDA also reminds families that xylitol is toxic to dogs, so keep these products away from pets. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Yellow 5 & Yellow 6
Synthetic food dyes.
Limit
Why it's used: Give foods a yellow or orange color.
Our take: Limit. If we carry it, you’ll always see a heads-up.
Why it's flagged: The same EU warning label applies to Tartrazine (E102) and Sunset Yellow (E110), and a 2021 review by California’s OEHHA found evidence that synthetic food dyes may affect behavior in some sensitive children. FDA also requires Yellow 5 to be named on labels. Source
B1st products with it:
None in our shop right now.
Have an ingredient question? Email info@b1stnutrition.com.