Before you read this post, go ahead and list out what you think are the top ten most common ingredients in fast food.  Here’s my list, in no particular order.  Beef, chicken, bread, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo, and salt.

Based on the list from HowStuffWorks.com, only 2 of the items I listed matched those listed on the website.  The findings might surprise you.

10.  Citric Acid – used as a preservative

9.  High-fructose Corn Syrup – a cheap sweetener

8.  Caramel Color – a color additive

7.  Salt – makes the food tasty

6.  Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – a flavor enhancer

5.  Niacin – one of the many nutrients fortified in bread

4.  Soybean Oil – great for frying and other common uses

3.  Mono- and Diglycerides – emulsifiers to prevent and stabilize food

2.  Xanthan Gum – used as a stabilizer or thickener

1. Chicken – the most common fast food meat product.

Lots more information can be found at the site.