What toWatch out for
The Additive Free Kids Blog provides you with product reviews, tips and advice from our extensive research, and the latest Additive Free news.
The future of food is here now – do you want cell based meat?
It is December 2020, I have read that approval has been given for the sale of "cultured chicken" or "cell based meat" after a "rigorous consultation and review process" in Singapore. One of our lovely Additive Free Advocates alerted me to the news. The approval was...
When “PLAIN” isn’t plain
One of our lovely AFK community members shared these images with me. These packets look so similar...the colours are similar....the crackers are similar...but when you flip the packet over..there is a vast difference. The ingredients of the Coles Plain Rice Crackers...
Additive laden food linked to advanced ageing at the cellular level
A new study (published in April 2020) found an association between ultra processed food and advanced cellular ageing [1]. These people are more likely to exhibit changes in their chromosomes linked to ageing. Ultraprocessed foods are food products that contain...
Essential oil injuries and what to do about them
This blog has been prompted by an Additive Free Kids Community member's experience. This member reached out to me recently, as they recalled I had shared some information on essential oil safety sometime ago. The info I shared at that time was "Why you should not use...
Real food doesn’t need trademarks
The number one tell tale sign that you should put a product back on the shelf is if an ingredient is trademarked. Real food doesn’t need trademarks. What does a trademark imply? Trademarked ingredients imply that proprietary methods have been used in their...
Big food creating a generation of fussy eaters?
How many parents struggle at meal times? Are your kids fussy easters? Do your kids like eating a wide range of vegetables? Most Australian children don't have their required servings of vegetables every day Dr Deb Levy an Australian specialist pediatrician has stated...
Why supermarket cordial should be avoided
Cordial has been a favourite for Australian families for decades. With over 50 different cordials on the supermarket shelves, it is obvious that this is a popular staple for Australian families. Why is cordial so popular? Manufacturers push the line that cordial can...
Does it cost more to be additive free?
I can't tell you the amount of times I have heard Mums all over Australia say that it costs so much more to be additive free: "it is so expensive to eat healthy!' Parents tell me all the time that they want to move to additive free but have a belief that it is too...
Which icy poles does your school stock and how do they compare?
The AFK Community are fed up with Zooper Dooper icy poles being handed out to their kids at school! This icy pole review was prompted by a post that I shared on Facebook some time ago expressing my sadness at seeing HUGE displays of Zooper Doopers being marketed to...
Recommended rice intake for infants and young children
A new study has been published 8 January 2020 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, discussing the arsenic concentrations and dietary exposure in rice based infant food in Australia. What was the purpose of this study? The purpose...
How does your yoghurt compare?
The community voted for yoghurt The AFK community were asked what product they would like to have reviewed next. There were a few close contenders, but yoghurt took the lead. The most popular yoghurts were voted for. These are the yoghurts that form the basis of...
Are plant based proteins a Game Changer?
I have been asked by many in the AFK Community if I have watched the new The Game Changers documentary that focuses on plant based proteins. If you aren’t aware, it is a new film on Netflix. It was produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie...
How does your tomato sauce compare?
This guide was created on the back of an AFK community request. The AFK Community were finding it difficult to navigate which tomato sauce is better in terms of additives. The most favourite sauces were voted for in the private facebook group and these are the ones...
“Sugar free” often means additive cocktail
The sugar free movement has really taken hold. Here in Australia, we know that Australians are consuming too much sugar with 35% of an adults total daily calories coming from discretionary foods. Examples of these discretionary foods include lollies, chocolates and...
Why you should not use essential oils for your Additive Free Kids
Recently, the Queensland Department of Health issued a warning stating that:"Essential oils are NOT safe to consume" WA Health also reported that they have seen an increase in poisonings occurring from the use of essential oils in kids: "The Western Australian Poisons...
Sneaky tactics to watch out for when buying additive free stock / bone broth
The search for additive free stock begins with the start of winter approaching. The cooler warmer brings a desire for comfort food and warm hearty meals. You will often find soups, stews and casseroles frequenting the winter menu. The basis of many of...
Additive laden (ultra processed) foods linked to disease and death.
The evidence is growing. The additive laden (ultra processed) foods we are feeding ourselves is linked to disease and death. New studies are emerging all the time. These studies highlight what these additives and processed ingredients are doing to us. Look at the size...
Food additive 171 (titanium dioxide) is harmful to our gut and may cause cancer
Food additive 171 (Titanium dioxide) is harmful to our gut and may cause cancer The University of Sydney has released a new study about additive 171, titanium dioxide. Titanium Dioxide is an additive used to whiten and brighten food. Other applications include...
What are natural flavours and should you avoid them?
What are natural flavours and should you avoid them? I can't tell you the amount of times I have been asked "What are natural flavours?" and "Should I avoid them?" This has been a topic I have been meaning to blog about for such a long time! It isn't a simple answer...
Are bakery hot cross buns better?
Are bakery hot cross buns better? Here is Part 2 - Are bakery hot cross buns better! We know that the Additive Free Kids Community are unsure which Hot Cross buns to buy for their family this year. We have had lots of requests from our Additive Free Kids Community...
Which hot cross buns to buy at the supermarket?
Which hot cross buns to buy at the supermarket? Are you unsure which Hot Cross buns to buy for your family this Easter? We have had lots of requests from our Additive Free Kids Community group looking for guidance in which Hot Cross Buns to buy for their family. I...
Vegetarian isn’t always healthier
Vegetarian isn’t always healthier I was recently reviewing a LOT of vegan / vegetarian options in the supermarket the other day. It was astounding to see how this market has expanded and flourished. These products are premium priced and I expect attract premium...
Flavours banned in the US due to links with cancer
Flavours banned in the US due to links with cancer The Federal Drug Administration in the USA have just announced that they are banning seven artificial flavours. These flavours are used by manufacturers to trick you into believing you are eating the real thing. These...
When gluten free isn’t better for you
Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in gluten free foods. In the past you had to search hard to find gluten free options. Now, you can walk into any supermarket and see an array of options available. These products are usually marketed as health...