Avoiding Hidden Chemicals in Food for a Healthier Family in the New Year
|
|
Time to Read: 7 min
Chemicals most of us wouldn’t knowingly feed to our families make their way into many everyday foods. Food dyes, pesticide residues, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives slip into meals, snacks, and even so-called "healthy" options. Parents feel unsure about what they’re really serving at the dinner table because these additives aren’t always obvious on ingredient labels.
To make foods look more appealing, taste sweeter, or last longer, manufacturers include many of these substances. Research has linked some to issues like hormone disruption, hyperactivity, or long-term health risks, though they may serve a purpose for food manufacturers. Even cereals, bread, and items marketed as nutritious contain these additives—not just junk food.
Though reducing your family’s exposure to hidden chemicals can feel like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By choosing fresh produce over packaged items or switching to foods with fewer ingredients, even small, intentional steps can make a difference. A new year is the perfect time to start as each choice builds toward a healthier lifestyle.
Avoiding these hidden chemicals gives our children the chance to grow up with a greater appreciation for what real, wholesome food should be and fewer health risks. Progress benefits everyone at the table, so focus on improvement, not perfection.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
Common Chemicals in Foods You Might Not Notice
Food Dyes
Those eye-catching, brightly colored snacks? They often owe their vivid colors to artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. Research published in Neurotherapeutics has suggested possible links between these dyes and hyperactivity or behavioral changes in kids, which makes you wonder if they’re really worth the risk. For something safer, consider natural options like beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina-based coloring. They’re less flashy but don’t come with the same baggage.
Preservatives
Preservatives such as sodium nitrite, BHT, and BHA are common in processed foods to keep them shelf-stable—but there’s a catch. Studies have raised concerns about long-term effects, like hormone disruption or even potential links to cancer. A good workaround? Stick to fresh or frozen foods when possible and keep your ingredient lists short and simple. Less weird stuff equals fewer worries.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin might seem like a great way to cut calories, but they’re not exactly trouble-free. They’ve been tied to sugar cravings and issues with gut health. Swapping them for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even dates can give you a more satisfying (and less questionable) sweetness.
Pesticide Residues
Even after a good rinse, produce can hold onto pesticides—especially items like spinach and strawberries, which tend to have higher residue levels. Opting for organic versions of these high-risk foods can reduce your exposure. Tools like the “ Clean Fifteen ” and “ Dirty Dozen ” lists are super helpful for figuring out when to splurge on organic and when it’s okay to save your cash.
Why These Chemicals Are Everywhere
Modern food production focuses on convenience and profit, often putting health concerns second. Additives help foods stay on shelves longer, improve their appearance, or hide imperfections that might turn buyers away. These choices meet industry demands but create challenges for families.
Even parents with the best intentions can find it hard to avoid these chemicals. Labels often use unfamiliar terms, making it tough to identify safe options. Busy schedules push families toward processed foods, where additives are most common. The system prioritizes efficiency over transparency, leaving many families feeling stuck between convenience and health.
Strategies for Avoiding Hidden Chemicals
Shop Smart
Read labels carefully and focus on products with recognizable names and fewer ingredients. Organic or non-GMO certifications, when available, can provide an extra layer of reassurance about what you’re buying. Simpler foods often mean fewer hidden additives.
Cook at Home
Control the ingredients in your meals by cooking at home. Batch cooking can save time during busy weeks, letting you prepare several meals in advance. Use this approach to limit reliance on processed foods while maintaining flexibility in your routine. And, be sure to serve your meals on stainless steel dishes .
Get Kids Involved
Make grocery shopping and meal prep a learning opportunity for kids. Let them help pick fresh ingredients and explore where food comes from. This encourages curiosity and builds lifelong habits while turning meals into a family effort.
Support Local Farmers
Farmers' markets offer fresher, less processed foods, often with fewer preservatives or additives. Buying local reduces exposure to many of the chemicals in mass-produced foods. Seasonal produce also supports healthier eating patterns by connecting families with natural food cycles.
Mealtime Essentials
Long-Term Benefits for the Family
Reducing chemical exposure causes noticeable improvements in behavior, digestion, & allergies. Small changes in daily eating habits create a ripple effect, improving both physical health and overall well-being.
Setting children up for a lifetime of mindful eating habits begins with these choices. Families that prioritize clean, wholesome foods build a foundation for healthier lives, teaching kids to appreciate the value of simple, natural meals. These habits stick, shaping health and attitudes toward food and sustainability.
Make the Transition Manageable With Ahimsa
Small changes over time create meaningful progress. Each step toward reducing hidden chemicals helps build healthier habits for your family. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate even the smallest wins.
At Ahimsa, I designed products that help families focus on nutrition and good tastes without worrying about chemicals in their dishware. Our stainless steel Mindful Mealtime Set includes a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils, all made from food-grade materials. Ahimsa offers safe, chemical-free stainless steel products to support families embracing a healthier lifestyle. Durable and thoughtfully designed, these dishes keep harmful substances out of mealtime. Explore Ahimsa’s chemical-free products made with children’s health in mind.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
