7 Common Food Additives — Should You Avoid Them?

5. Yeast Extract

Yeast extract, also called autolyzed yeast extract or hydrolyzed yeast extract, is added to certain savory foods like cheese, soy sauce and salty snacks to boost the flavor.

Yeast extract is high in sodium and contains glutamate, which may trigger high blood pressure. Yet because only small amounts of yeast extract are added to foods, it's unlikely to cause problems for most people.