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Subjects · Leaving Cert Home Economics

Leaving Cert Home Economics: Food additives

How often Food additives comes up on the Home Economics papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 6 of the last 10 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2026. most years

OL Asked on 3 of the last 10 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024.

Food additives, Higher Level(7 marks)

Quick ones on Food additives.

(a)Additive that stops fats and oils turning rancid?
  1. An emulsifier
  2. An antioxidant
  3. A stabiliser
(b)Additive that allows oil and water to stay mixed?
  1. A colouring
  2. A preservative
  3. An emulsifier
(c)What does an E number on a label tell you?
  1. The additive is approved for use in the EU
  2. The additive is artificial, not from nature
  3. The food is organic and free from pesticides
Show the answers

(a) An antioxidant

(b) An emulsifier

(c) The additive is approved for use in the EU

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Food additives.

Higher Level

Asked on 6 of the last 10 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2026. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2026Q3
2025A9
2024Not asked
2023Q3
2022A9, Q2
2021C4
2019Not asked
2018Q3
2017Not asked
2016Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Food additives questions

Food additives, 2 marks

What is a humectant used for in food?

  1. Making food fizzy
  2. Setting jams firmly
  3. Keeping food moist
Show the answer

Keeping food moist

Humectants such as glycerol attract and hold water, stopping foods like soft cakes and icing from drying out.

Food additives, 2 marks

Additive that stops powders such as salt forming lumps?

  1. A flavour enhancer
  2. An anti-caking agent
  3. An emulsifier
Show the answer

An anti-caking agent

Anti-caking agents absorb moisture or coat particles so powders like salt, icing sugar and soup mixes flow freely.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 3 of the last 10 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2026Not asked
2025Not asked
2024Q3
2023Not asked
2022A10
2021Not asked
2019Not asked
2018Not asked
2017A8
2016Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Food additives questions

Food additives, 2 marks

Why are preservatives added to food?

  1. To add extra vitamins
  2. To make the food cheaper to grow
  3. To make the food keep for longer
Show the answer

To make the food keep for longer

Preservatives slow down the growth of the micro-organisms that spoil food, so the food has a longer shelf life.

Food additives, 3 marks

What does an antioxidant do in food?

  1. It adds sweetness to food
  2. It stops fat going rancid
  3. It makes food set firmly
Show the answer

It stops fat going rancid

Antioxidants protect fats and oils from oxygen, so crisps, biscuits and cooking oils keep their flavour for longer.

Food additives, 2 marks

How are additives approved for use in the EU shown on a label?

  1. By an E number
  2. By a star rating
  3. By a colour code
Show the answer

By an E number

An E number means the additive has been tested and approved for use in the EU. The label also gives its job, such as colour.

Other Home Economics topics

All of Leaving Cert Home Economics