Hidden Dangers: There’s nothing like piping hot biscuits fresh from the oven to tie a meal together and round out the holiday spread. With all the holiday craziness, the convenience of pre-made biscuits is awfully appealing, but that refrigerated biscuit dough – you know, the stuff that comes in the large round tube – just so happens to contain some pretty scary ingredients. From refined white flour and trans fatty acids to GMO oils and preservatives, there is more than just a pound of butter to be wary of…

What you should avoid: Some of the most important things to avoid in pre-made biscuits are genetically modified ingredients. The common GMOs found in refrigerated biscuit dough are corn flour, soybean or vegetable oil and sugar. GMOs are suspected to lead to infertility, birth defects, cancer and liver and kidney damage. Next up are trans fatty acids: also referred to as partially hydrogenated oil, trans fatty acids have been confirmed by research to lead to cardiovascular disease, obesity and metabolic disorder. Another common ingredient found in pre-made biscuits is “artificial flavor,” which may actually refer to the neurotoxin Monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG can cause headaches, nausea, weakness, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat and chest pain. Lastly, a slew of preservatives are almost always included; health hazards like TBHQ, BHT and potassium sorbate, all of which may increase the incidence of tumors, cancer and allergies. Not so homey after all, huh?

Avoid: GMO corn flour, partially hydrogenated oil, GMO soybean and vegetable oil, artificial flavors, TBHQ, potassium sorbate, BHT.

Here’s what to do: The first (and best) choice is to pull out your mixer, stone-ground organic wheat and oat flour, free-range eggs and milk. If you can, we suggest soaking your grains first, which makes the most satisfying, nutrient-dense biscuits ever. No time to make your own biscuits from scratch? Don’t fret – there are plenty of pre-made alternatives. Shop for brands using non-GMO ingredients that are free of harmful chemical preservatives, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors.

TCM Picks: Make your own buttermilk biscuits, pumpkin biscuits, or find a healthy pre-made brand such as Immaculuate Baking Co.