Nutrisystem aims to help you lose weight by providing you with a specific eating plan, complete with prepackaged meal items. None of Nutrisystem's foods require refrigeration except for its specialty Nutrisystem Select entrees. To keep the food from spoiling, the foods are packaged in special containers and often include preservatives. The company reports that approximately a third of its entrees include preservatives that are commonly used in foods.
Sulfites
Several forms of sulfites may appear in Nutrisystem meals. These include sulfite, metabisulfite and sodium bisulfite. According to the University of Florida, these inorganic salts have been used for decades to stop bacterial growth. Sulfites are relatively safe, according to the university, except in those who have acute allergic reactions to the substance. People who have sulfite sensitivities --- most common in people aged 40 or older --- may experience painful symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal cramping after eating food that contains sulfites. Examples of Nutrisystem meals that use this preservative include the apple cinnamon oatmeal breakfast and the cheese tortellini lunch dish.
Propionates
Calcium propionate appears in meals such as the Nutrisystem buffalo chicken wrap dinner and frozen toasted ham and cheese lunch. The New York State Agriculture Experiment Station reports that this preservative most commonly occurs in baked goods and helps prevent fermentation. The station also states that the preservative's calcium content can enhance the food's nutritional value.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate appears in meals such as Nutrisystem's Caesar salad dressing and double chocolate muffin. Its purpose, according to the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, is to fend off mold and bacteria. The station notes that it's a popular preservative because it's inexpensive, but warns that it can sometimes give food a bad flavor.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Butylated hydroxytoluene, listed on Nutrisystem's ingredient labels as BHT, is one of the most common preservatives in the company's meals. Examples of food items that utilize this preservative include Nutrisystem sourdough pizza with cheese and the coconut almond bar fudge brownie. The University of Texas reports that this food preservative keeps fatty acids in the food from oxidizing, thus preventing spoilage and the associated poor flavoring.
Nitrites
Nitrites appear in Nutrisystem entrees such as the bean and ham soup and the red beans and rice meal with sausage. Oregon State University states that nitrites help prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold, which may lead to botulism, a well-known food-borne illness. Nitrites also prevent the development of color changes and rancid flavor in food. In addition, nitrites keep the food's nutritional qualities stable. The university warns that nitrites may raise cancer risks, although the risks of health damage from food spoilage are greater than the cancer risks.
Potassium Sorbate
Nutrisystem adds this sorbate to foods such as its chocolate chip scone and Italian herb flatbread pizza. The New York State Agriculture Experiment Station reports that this salt-based preservative is valued because it has little flavor. It helps prevent mold and yeast growth, thus making it popular in dairy products and baked goods.
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