When it comes to our food, consumers deserve transparency. Emulsifiers—ingredients that help blend ingredients smoothly and prevent separation—are used in a wide range of food products. But how often are they found in store-brand items? And which stores are the biggest offenders?

Using WISEdata™, a database analyzing over 650,000 commercial foods and more than 5,500 ingredients, we examined emulsifier use across five major grocery retailers who put out their own brands: Whole Foods™, Walmart™, H-E-B™, Kroger™, and Safeway™. Our findings reveal significant differences in how often these additives appear in their store brand items, which clearly reflects each retailer’s priorities.

Which Store Brands Use the Most Emulsifiers?

Our research assessed between 1,569 and 2,281 products per store brand, analyzing the prevalence of five common emulsifiers:

• Soy Lecithin

• Guar Gum

• Mono- & Di-Glycerides

• Carrageenan

• Cellulose Gum

Key Findings:

1. Whole Foods™ has the lowest overall use of emulsifiers, reinforcing its commitment to minimally processed ingredients.

2. Safeway™ leads in emulsifier usage, with Signature Select™ products containing these additives more frequently than any other store brand.

3. Walmart™, Kroger™, and H-E-B™ fall somewhere in between, with moderate emulsifier usage across their store-brand products.

Are Emulsifiers Safe?

All the emulsifiers included in this study are approved by the FDA for use in food products. However, concerns remain about their long-term impact on gut health. Some emulsifiers, like guar gum, function as dietary fiber and can even be beneficial, while others, like carrageenan, have been debated for potential digestive effects.

Why This Data Matters

Understanding what’s in our food is the first step in making informed dietary choices four ourselves and our families. The WISEdata™ approach provides a detailed and objective look at ingredient use, helping researchers and consumers alike ask the right questions about processed food consumption and health outcomes.

As research on emulsifiers and gut health continues, one thing is clear: not all store brands are created equal when it comes to ingredient choices.

Want to make more informed food choices today? Download the WISEcode app on IOS or Android and use our database to learn what's really in your snacks.

And remember, if you would like to request free access to this dataset, please drop us an email: wisealliance@wisecode.ai.

*WISEdata™ is provided by WISEcode and is currently still under development. While we strive for accuracy, the data may contain errors and should be considered directional. We reserve the right to update or revise it at any time.