As parents, especially those navigating the world of special educational needs (SEND), we do everything we can to support our children’s development — emotionally, mentally, and physically. But what if some everyday foods are silently working against us?
Whether your child is neurodivergent, struggles with sensory regulation, or you’re just trying to make better choices at home, here are 4 common foods or ingredients that could be doing more harm than good — especially when it comes to long-term health and development.
1. Bright White Sweets & Imported Candies with Titanium Dioxide (E171)
Titanium Dioxide is a whitening agent used in sweets, chewing gum, and even toothpaste to make products appear ultra-bright and appealing.
It was banned in the EU in 2022 after studies raised concerns about genotoxicity — meaning it may damage DNA cells. However, the UK did not adopt this ban, and some imported products (especially from American-style sweet shops) may still contain it.
🧠 Why it matters: Children — especially those with neurodivergent profiles — may be more vulnerable to chemical exposures. Additives like this are rarely tested for long-term impact on developing brains.
🔍 Look out for:
- American candy (e.g. sweets that look “too white”)
- E171 on ingredients labels
- Products not made or regulated in the UK or EU
→ EFSA summary on Titanium Dioxide safety concerns
2. Bright Citrus Drinks with Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
BVO is used in some drinks (especially older recipes from the US) to stop flavouring oils from separating. But the UK and EU have banned it over concerns about toxicity to the nervous system and thyroid. Despite this, some imported drinks still slip through due to loose regulation on novelty imports.
🚨 Risk factors:
- BVO can accumulate in the body
- High doses linked to neurological issues
- Kids’ smaller bodies = higher impact from smaller amounts
💬 Check before buying: If you’re picking up brightly coloured or foreign-labelled drinks, scan the label for Brominated Vegetable Oil or its chemical equivalents.
3. Processed “Vegetable Oil” in Kids’ Snacks & Meals
“Vegetable oil” might sound harmless — but it’s often a blanket term for ultra-processed oils like rapeseed (canola), sunflower or corn oil, which are heated to high temperatures and used in everything from baked goods to crisps.
🥴 Why it matters:
- These oils oxidise when cooked at high temperatures, producing compounds that may contribute to inflammation
- Inflammation can negatively impact mood, attention, energy and gut health — all of which are vital for a thriving child, especially one with ADHD or ASD
💡 Tip: Choose products made with cold-pressed oils like olive oil, or simply reduce reliance on highly processed packaged snacks.
4. Bread, Biscuits, and Cereals with Additives Banned Elsewhere
Many mass-produced UK products still contain flour treatment agents, emulsifiers, and artificial colourings that are banned or restricted in other countries. Why? Because the UK hasn’t kept pace with EU or global regulations on some food safety policies post-Brexit.
⚠️ Common examples:
- Bread with added whitening agents or “E” numbers
- Imported cereals or biscuits
- Treats made for visual appeal over nutrition
🧠 Why it matters: The gut-brain connection is now widely accepted. What your child eats affects their mood, energy, behaviour and sensory tolerance. Minimising these additives can make a real difference, especially for autistic or highly sensitive children.
What About Rapeseed Oil?
Rapeseed oil itself isn’t inherently bad — in fact, cold-pressed rapeseed oil can be part of a healthy diet. But the problem lies in how it’s processed in many products. When heated repeatedly or used in fast food and shelf-stable snacks, it can degrade into oxidised fats that may harm gut and brain health over time.
So the key is not panic — but awareness and moderation.
Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen Can Be a Place of Healing
This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowledge, choice, and doing the best we can — especially when we’ve got children who already face enough challenges.
Small swaps like switching from white-label sweets to fruit snacks, checking labels on imported sodas, or using cold-pressed oils instead of processed ones can go a long way.
✨ Want a free checklist of the top 10 hidden additives, safer swaps, and a downloadable food label guide?
👉 Visit AskEllie.co.uk and get your copy today.
Because our kids deserve food that fuels their future — not one that holds them back.
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