When we talk about "ingredients of food," we're referring to any substances that are added to food to create a final product. This encompasses a wide range of materials, each serving different purposes. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Basic Components: These are the fundamental building blocks of food, like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water. These provide nutritional value and contribute to the food's structure and texture.
• Additives: These are substances added to food for specific technological purposes. They can enhance flavor, color, texture, or shelf life. Examples include preservatives, coloring agents, and emulsifiers.
• Flavorings: These are substances that impart or modify the taste or aroma of food. They can be natural (like herbs and spices) or artificial.
• Nutrients: These include vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. They can be naturally present in food or added during processing.

In essence, "ingredients of food" refers to everything that goes into making the food we consume. This includes:

• Raw materials (like flour, sugar, and milk)
• Spices and seasonings
• Additives that enhance or preserve the food

It's important to remember that the food industry uses a very wide range of ingredients, and that the regulation of these ingredients is very important to insure food safety.