Food additives are substances of known composition, which are not food, but are added to foods during the production, transport, shaping, processing and storage of food. By adding additives to food, we get the technological and organoleptic quality of the product is achieved and the expiration date of food is extended by preventing its spoilage. According to the origin, the additives are divided into those of natural origin and synthesized. According to functionality, they are divided into 24 different categories that are listed in this paper and some of them described in more detail. The use of additives is regulated by the law of food additives, flavorings and food enzymes NN 39/2013, which contains all the requirements that ensure the safe use of additives in the food industry. As part of this study, a survey entitled "Research on the knowledge of food additives and consumer attitudes in the Republic of Croatia", where special emphasis is put on additives in candies, was conducted, in order to gain insight into the knowledge of the concept of additives among consumers and their views on them.