Here’s What You Need to Know About Emulsifiers

You Should Know: Maybe you’ve heard the alarm bells over emulsifiers, the latest “villain” of our food supply. They help make ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as salad dressings and ice cream, so smooth and creamy (and, well — they work). But as people begin to pay more attention to gut health, which influences everything from mood to immunity, these once-ignored ingredients are getting a lot more scrutiny. 

Going Deeper: Not all emulsifiers are created equal. Some, like egg yolks or whey protein, occur naturally. Others, such as carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80, are lab-made and often added to ultra-processed foods. Animal studies suggest these synthetic versions may irritate the gut or disrupt its balance of healthy bacteria. However, most studies on humans have been small and short-term, so it’s still too early to say how they affect people in the everyday amounts found in UPFs.

The Takeaway: If your diet includes mostly whole foods, you’re already on the right track. Reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods will do more for your gut than worrying about every emulsifier listed on a label.

Bottom Line: Enjoy your favorite creamy dressing or the occasional scoop of ice cream — your gut can probably handle it. Your overall eating pattern is what matters most.