Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor, enhance taste or appearance, or improve qualities. They have been used for centuries to preserve foods like bacon, sweets or wines. Legally, they refer to any substance intended to become a component or affect a food's characteristics. Additives are used to maintain safety, freshness, and nutritional value as well as improve taste, texture and appearance. Direct additives are added to a specific food, while indirect additives may be present due to packaging or storage. Common types of additives include preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, colors, and more.