When we stop by a drive-thru, we expect something quick, tasty, and familiar. But sometimes, those convenient meals can hold unexpected surprises in their ingredients. These hidden components might make us think twice before placing our next order.
Understanding what might be inside our favorite drive-thru foods helps us make better choices for ourselves and our families. Knowing more about these ingredients lets us enjoy fast food with a little extra awareness.
Dimethylpolysiloxane – an anti-foaming agent in fried foods
When we order fried foods from drive-thrus, dimethylpolysiloxane is often part of the process. It’s a silicone-based ingredient added to frying oil to reduce foaming and bubbling when food hits the hot oil.
This helps keep the oil stable and safer for the kitchen team. It also extends the life of the oil, so restaurants can fry more items before changing it.
Though it sounds complicated, dimethylpolysiloxane is tasteless and doesn’t affect the flavor of our food. It’s simply there to keep frying smooth and consistent.
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) – a preservative in chicken nuggets
When we bite into chicken nuggets, we might not realize they often contain TBHQ. This additive helps keep the nuggets fresh by preventing fats and oils from spoiling.
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant used widely in processed foods like chicken nuggets to extend shelf life. It’s approved by food safety agencies, but we should be aware it’s a chemical preservative, not a natural ingredient.
Though TBHQ helps maintain flavor and texture, consuming it in large amounts over time isn’t recommended. Knowing what’s in our food helps us make more informed choices at the drive-thru.
Azodicarbonamide – a dough conditioner used in burger buns
We’ve all bitten into a burger bun without thinking twice about what’s inside. But some buns contain azodicarbonamide, a chemical used to condition dough and brighten the flour. It helps give bread a softer texture and longer shelf life.
Although the FDA considers azodicarbonamide safe, it’s banned in many countries. It’s also found in products like yoga mats, which can make the ingredient sound a bit surprising on our buns. Knowing this, we might want to glance at ingredient labels next time we order.
Polysorbate 80 – an emulsifier found in milkshakes
When we grab a milkshake from a drive-thru, we might not realize it contains additives like Polysorbate 80. This ingredient acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oils and water smoothly so our shakes stay creamy and consistent.
Polysorbate 80 is common in many processed foods beyond milkshakes, including ice cream and salad dressings. While it helps maintain texture and stability, some research suggests it might affect our gut health, so it’s good to be aware of what we’re consuming.
FD&C Yellow No. 5 – artificial coloring in sodas and sauces
We often find FD&C Yellow No. 5, a synthetic food dye, in many sodas and sauces. It gives them that bright, appealing yellow color we recognize instantly.
This dye has been approved by the FDA since 1969 for use in food. It’s commonly added to processed foods to improve their look.
Even though it’s widely used, FD&C Yellow No. 5 must be listed on ingredient labels. That way, we know exactly what’s in our food and drinks.