Bromelin (enzyme that can dissolve or degrade proteins to soften meat and poultry tissue, derived from pineapple)
Carrageenan (seaweed additive used as a binder)
Citric acid (can be used to protect fresh color of meat cuts during storage, helps protect flavor and increases effectiveness of antioxidants)
Corn syrup (flavoring agent and sweetener)
Emulsifier (prevents separation of product components to ensure consistency)
Ficin (enzyme derived from fig trees used as a meat tenderizer)
Gelatin (thickener from collagen, used in canned hams or jellied meat products)
Humectant (helps retain moisture and soft texture, e.g. glycerin in dried meat snacks)
Hydrolyzed (source) protein (flavor enhancers made from plant or animal protein)
Modified food starch (chemically altered to improve thickening properties)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG, flavor enhancer)
Papain (enzyme that can dissolve or degrade proteins to soften meat and poultry tissue, derived from papaya)
Phosphates (moisture retention and flavor protection)
Propyl gallate (antioxidant to prevent rancidity)
Sodium caseinate (used as a binder)
Sodium erythorbate (color fixative in cured meats)
Sodium nitrite (color fixative in cured meat and poultry products)
Sugar (sucrose, used as sweetener)
Texturizers/stabilizers/thickeners (substances commonly called binders, e.g. gelatin and carrageenan)
Whey, dried (used as a binder or extender in meat products)
Sorbates (potent and preferred preservatives for protein foods)
BHA and BHT (problematic and toxic preservatives)
Sodium nitrite (develops cancer-producing substances upon digestion)