Abstract Food additive can improve the quality of food, extend the storage time and increase the food nutrients. In thisessay the authorgave a brief introduction to such additives, such as food pigment, food perfume, sweet additive, preservative and antioxidizing agents, how are these additives used in foods, their usage limits and their chemical structures, so as to help students to widen their knowledge, enhance their interest in chemistry learning and thus improve their scientific literacy.