Final answer:
Humectants are substances that retain moisture and contribute to the texture of food products by absorbing water. They are different from flavor enhancers, which improve taste. Food additives in general serve to enhance taste, texture, and appearance, as well as prevent spoilage.
The correct answer is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of humectants include their ability to retain moisture and provide a specific texture to food products. Humectants are hygroscopic substances used widely in food manufacturing to maintain the moisture content of food, thereby extending its shelf life and keeping it soft. They achieve this by absorbing water from the air or by drawing water from the inner layers to the outer layers of the food product. This function also contributes to the texture and consistency of the food item, although not necessarily enhancing flavor directly. Flavor enhancers and flavorants, on the other hand, are additives specifically designed to improve the taste of food by enhancing the existing flavors or providing new flavor characteristics.
Commonly, food additives are used not only to prevent spoilage but also to improve the taste, texture, and appearance of food products. For instance, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners are added to give foods the texture and consistency consumers expect, while spices, natural and artificial flavors, and sweeteners are utilized to enhance the taste of the food.