Introduction
Food additive hypersensitivity
Introduction
E numbers for preservatives
E numbers for antioxidants
E numbers for sweeteners
E numbers for emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents
E numbers for other food additives
Food additives without E numbers
Food additives are chemical substances added to food to maintain its quality (preservatives), nutrition value, taste (flavouring agents), and appearance (colouring agents).
Sources of food additives can be:
The safety of food additives is assessed by agencies such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the European Union (EU), or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Adverse reactions to food additives (hypersensitivity) can occur via immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms. Non-immunologic reactions are sometimes referred to as ‘food intolerances’.
Food additives associated with adverse reactions include, but are not limited to:
The prevalence of adverse reactions to food additives in the general population is low, estimated at ~1–2% in children and 1% in adults. It appears to be more common in atopic children (2–7%).
Reactions vary from mild to severe, and can involve cutaneous and non-cutaneous symptoms.
Sometimes food additive reactions can contribute to exacerbations of existing disease, such as a flare-up of atopic dermatitis (eczema) or asthma.
A history suggestive of potential food additive hypersensitivity includes:
Diagnostic tools for adverse reactions to food additives include:
Specific treatment depends on the reaction observed. Treatment may include oral antihistamines, topical steroids, nasal sprays, or in the case of anaphylaxis, adrenaline (epinephrine). A medical alert bracelet for those with severe and anaphylactic reactions is also recommended.
Foods sold throughout the EU have had full ingredient labelling since the mid-1980s. These include standard codes (E numbers) that accurately describe additives. These numbers are also used in other regions such as Australia and New Zealand, without the E (‘Europe’).
Commonly used food additives are included in Tables 1-6 below. These tables are not complete or exhaustive and may undergo change as additives are re-classified.
A full list of additives in the EU is published by the Food Standards Agency (United Kingdom). A similar list for Australia and New Zealand is published by the New Zealand Food Safety Association.
| **E number** | **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| E100 | Curcumin | - Naturally occurring orange/yellow colour - Extracted from the spice turmeric | - Used in pastries, confectionery, sauces, and soups |
| E101 | Riboflavin or lactoflavin (Vitamin B2) | - Naturally occurring B-group vitamin - Usually obtained from yeast or produced synthetically | - Enrichment and fortification of food - Added to processed cheese as yellow/orange colour |
| E102 | Tartrazine | - Widely used yellow/orange colour | - Found in soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, puddings, meat products, sauces, tinned and packet convenience foods and confectionery |
| E104 | Quinoline Yellow | - A synthetic coal tar dye, greenish yellow in colour | - Used with other yellow colours, especially in smoked fish |
| E110 | Sunset Yellow FCF; Orange Yellow S | - A synthetic coal tar dye, yellow in colour, used with E102 | - Found in soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, puddings, meat products, sauces, tinned and packet convenience foods and confectionery |
| E120 | Cochineal; Carminic acid; Carmines | - Natural red colour obtained from egg yolk and dried insects - Can be manufactured | - Red colour in foods |
| E122 | Azorubine; Carmoisine | - A synthetic coal tar dye, red/purple in colour | - Often added to raspberry and chocolate flavoured desserts, marzipan, jam, cherryade, bottled sauce, and breaded products |
| E123 | Amaranth | - A synthetic coal tar dye, red in colour | - Sometimes used in gravy mixes, meat patties, and blackcurrant drinks |
| E124 | Ponceau 4R; Cochineal Red A | - A synthetic coal tar dye, red in colour | - Often used to restore red colour to tinned strawberries
|
| E127 | Erythrosine | - A synthetic coal tar dye, red in colour - Rich in mineral iodine | - Regular component of glace cherries, peach melba yogurt, vacuum-packed ham and pork, tinned strawberries, and certain flavours of chips and potato-based snacks |
| E128 | Red 2G | - A synthetic coal tar dye, red in colour | - Now banned in many countries including the EU and USA |
| E129 | Allura Red AC | - Colouring agent | - Used in drinks, baked goods, meat products, and sweets |
| E131 | Patent Blue V | - Colouring agent | - Used in some meat products |
| E132 | lndigotine; Indigo Carmine | - A synthetic coal tar dye, blue in colour | - Added to gravy mix and certain meat products |
| E133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | - A synthetic coal tar dye, blue in colour - Often mixed with E102 to make green | - Bacon flavoured snacks |
| E140 | Chlorophyll and chlorophyllins | - Naturally occurring green pigment found plant leaves and stems - Also manufactured | - Added to green vegetables to enhance their colour |
| E141 | Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins | - A more stable colour obtained by a reaction between copper and manufactured chlorophyll | - Used to heighten the green colour of products such as cucumber relish |
| E142 | Green S | - A synthetic coal tar dye, green in colour | - Used to restore the expected green colour to tinned peas - Also added to asparagus soup, lemon or lime drinks and jellies, and mint sauce |
| E150a | Plain caramel | - Commonly used brown colour and flavouring agent made from the caramelisation or burning of sugar by heat or chemicals - No ammonium or sulphite reactants | - Used in soft drinks, gravy mix, brown bread, cakes, biscuits, malt vinegar, marmalade, and beef products |
| E150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | - Colouring agent - With sulphite reactant, but no ammonium | - Used in tea, whiskey, and brandy |
| E150c | Ammonia caramel | - Colouring agent - With ammonium reactant, but no sulphite | - Used to colour soy sauce and beer |
| E150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | - Colouring agent - With both sulphite and ammonia reactants | - Widely used for soft drinks |
| E151 | Brilliant Black BN; Black PN | - A synthetic coal tar dye, black in colour | - Used to darken fruit sauces |
| E153 | Vegetable carbon | - Natural black colour obtained from burnt plant material, now often manufactured | - Added to concentrated fruit juices, preserves, and jellies |
| E155 | Brown HT | - A synthetic coal tar dye, brown in colour | - Various foods |
| E160 a - e | Carotenoids | - Plant pigments derived from carrots, tomatoes, apricots, oranges, rosehip and green leafy vegetables - Now mostly manufactured | - Provide a range of colours from yellow to red |
| E160a | Alpha-, beta, and gamma-carotenes | - Beta-carotene is a well-known substance that is converted by the body to Vitamin A - Orange in colour | - Added to biscuits, cakes, margarine, creamed rice, cheese products, and certain soups |
| E160b | Annatto | - Orange/peach pigment naturally present in butter and cheese | - Used to give creamy colour to creamed rice, coffee creamer, pastry, cheese, and cheese products |
| E160c | Paprika extract; Capsanthian; Capsorubin | - Colouring agent (red) | - Can be used to add colour and flavour to various food products |
| E160d | Lycopene | - Colouring agent (red) - Carotenoid | - May be used in processed foods, beverages, and ketchup |
| E160e | Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C30); apocarotenal | - Colouring agent (orange/red) - Carotenoid | - Sometimes used in processed cheese |
| E161b | Lutein | - Colouring agent (yellow/orange)
| - Has been used as a chicken feed additive to promote yellow colouring of egg yolks |
| E161g | Canthaxanthin | - Colouring agent (reddish/orange) - Carotenoid | - May be present in food and self-tanning products |
| E162 | Betanin (Beetroot Red) | - Naturally occurring red/purple colour in beetroots | - May be added to oxtail soup |
| E163 | Anthocyanins | - Plant pigments with colours ranging from red to blue - Naturally present in red cabbage and grapes | - Used in producing purple-colored beverages, confectionaries, and jams |
| E170 | Calcium carbonate (chalk) | - Naturally occurring mineral | - Various functions including acid regulator, firming agent, releasing agent, and nutrient - Added to white flour as a calcium supplement to replace the loss due to refining - Frequently an ingredient in bread and baked products |
| E171 | Titanium dioxide | - Colouring agent | - Use no longer permitted in the EU and in Northern Ireland as of Feb 2022 |
| E172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | - Naturally occurring mineral | - Added to fortify food - Added to flour and breakfast cereals |
| E173 | Aluminium | - Colouring agent (silver/grey) | - Surface coating (eg, for cake decoration or confectionary) |
| E174 | Silver | - Colouring agent | - May be used for silver surface coating |
| E175 | Gold | - Colouring agent | - May be used for gold surface coating |
| E180 | Lithol rubine BK | - Colouring agent (red) | - Used for colouring cheese rind |
| E number | Name | Description | Examples of use |
| E200 | Sorbic acid | - Naturally occurring in some fruit but generally manufactured synthetically for use as a food preservative | - Commonly added to soft drinks, cheese spread, frozen pizza, and cakes |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate | - Salt of sorbic acid | - Used to preserve glace cherries |
| E210 | Benzoic acid | - Occurs naturally in cherry bark, raspberries, tea, anise, and cassia bark, but largely prepared synthetically for commercial use | - Acts as a preservative and antioxidant most frequently in fruit products, soft drinks, pickled produce, and salad dressings |
| E211 | Sodium benzoate | - Salt of benzoic acid | - In bottled sauces |
| E212 | Potassium benzoate | - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E213 | Calcium benzoate | - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E214 | Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | - Preservative - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E215 | Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | - Preservative - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E218 | Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | - Preservative - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E219 | Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | - Preservative - Salt of benzoic acid | - As per benzoic acid (E210) |
| E220 | Sulfur dioxide | - Gas prepared chemically for use as a food preservative, flour improver, bleaching agent, and Vitamin C stabiliser | - Found in carbonated drinks, marmalade, glace cherries, mixed peel, cakes, fruit based products, and meat products |
| E221 | Sodium sulphite | - Preservative | - May be used to prevent discolouration in dried fruit |
| E222 | Sodium hydrogen sulphite | - Synthetic preservative and bleaching agent | - Often added to wine and beer |
| E223 | Sodium metabisulphite | - Synthetic preservative | - Added to sausages and some bottled sauces |
| E224 | Potassium metabisulphite | - Preservative | - Sometimes used to preserve beer, wine, and other fermented beverages |
| E226 | Calcium sulphite | - Preservative | - Banned in Australia |
| E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulphite | - Preservative | - May be used in canned fruit and beer products |
| E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulphite | - Preservative | - May be used in alcoholic beverages |
| E234 | Nisin | - Preservative | - Cheese and dairy products |
| E235 | Natamycin | - Preservative | - Cheese and sausages |
| E239 | Hexamethylene tetramine | - Preservative | - Cheese and fish products |
| E242 | Dimethyl dicarbonate | - Preservative | - Beverages |
| E243 | Ethyl lauroyl arginate | - Preservative | - Heat‐treated meat products |
| E249 | Potassium nitrite | - Naturally occurring mineral used as a preservative and colour fixative | - Used in cooked meats, sausages, and cured meats |
| E250 | Sodium nitrite | - Derived from sodium nitrate by chemical or bacterial action - Acts as a preservative and colour fixative | - Added to cooked and cured meats, bacon, and pork sausages |
| E251 | Sodium nitrate | - Naturally occurring mineral, usually manufactured synthetically for use as a food preservative and colour fixative | - In cooked meats, bacon, ham, and cheese |
| E252 | Potassium nitrate | - Naturally occurring but more usually produced artificially from animal waste and vegetable material - One of the oldest and most effective preservatives for meat - Also acts as a curing agent | - Found in cured and cooked meats, and sausages |
| E280 | Propionic acid | - Fatty acid produced by animals in the process of digestion, but generally manufactured synthetically | - Added to baked goods - Functions as a preservative |
| E281 | Sodium propionate | - Salt of propionic acid | - Added to baked goods |
| E282 | Calcium propionate | - Salt of propionic acid - Found naturally in Swiss cheese | - Added to baked goods |
| E283 | Potassium propionate | - Salt of propionic acid | - Added to baked goods |
| E284 | Boric acid | - Preservative and acidity regulator | - Sometimes used in meat, fish, and dairy products - Other uses include antiseptic and insecticide |
| E285 | Sodium tetraborate; borax | - Preservative - Sodium salt of boric acid (see E284) | - Sometimes used as caviar preservative - Banned in some countries including the United States |
| E1105 | Lysozyme | - Preservative - Natural enzyme found in tears, saliva, blood, sweat, and breast milk - Commercially purified from egg whites | - Infant nutrition products - Cheese products |
| **E number** | **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| E300 | Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) | - Occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables but is synthesised biologically - Acts as a preservative, anti-oxidant, meat colour fixative, and flour improver - Also a vitamin | - Found in fruit juices, bread, baked products, powdered mashed potatoes, and other products |
| E301 | Sodium ascorbate | - Salt of ascorbic acid | - Added to cured meats |
| E302 | Calcium ascorbate | - Salt of ascorbic acid | - Similar function to ascorbic acid (E300) |
| E304 | Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid | - Salt of ascorbic acid | - Used in sausage and cured meats |
| E306 | Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | - Obtained from soya bean oil, wheatgerm, rice germ, cottonseed, maize, and green leaves - Used as an antioxidant and nutrient | - Added to fats and oils |
| E307 | Alpha-tocopherol | - Synthetic products of tocopherol with similar functions (see E306) | - Added to fats and oils |
| E308 | Gamma-tocopherol | - Synthetic products of tocopherol with similar functions (see E306) | - Added to fats and oils |
| E309 | Delta-tocopherol | - Synthetic products of tocopherol with similar functions (see E306) | - Added to fats and oils |
| E310 | Propyl gallate | - Synthetically prepared antioxidant | - Added to fats and oils - Found in fried foods - May give rise to a bitter taste |
| E315 | Erythorbic acid | - Antioxidant | - Processed meat and fish products |
| E316 | Sodium erythorbate | - Antioxidant | - Meat products |
| E319 | Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) | - Antioxidant | - Fats and oils |
| E320 | Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) | - Antioxidant manufactured synthetically for use alone or with E280, E310, or E330 | - Often found in chips and other potato snacks, biscuits, pastry, bottled sauces, and fried foods |
| E321 | Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | - Synthetically prepared antioxidant | - Similar to butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) |
| E392 | Extracts of rosemary | - Antioxidant | - Fat-based spreads |
| E586 | 4-Hexylresorcinol | - Antioxidant | - Shrimps and crustaceans |
| **E number** | **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| E420 | Sorbitol | - Sugar alcohol produced from glucose - Less quickly absorbed than sugar so often used as a sweetener - Also used as a humectant and food colour diluent - May have a laxative effect in large doses | - Widely used in diabetic confectionery, preserves, biscuits, cakes, and soft drinks |
| E421 | Mannitol | - Sugar alcohol derived from mannose, but general manufactured from seaweed - Acts as a sweetener, emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and thickener | - Used in confectionery and desserts |
| E950 | Acesulfame K | - Sweetener | - Low-calorie sweetener used in various food and drinks |
| E951 | Aspartame | - New artificial sweetener of protein origin - Contains phenylalanine | - Artificial sweeteners, confectionery, ice cream, low calorie desserts, and soft drinks |
| E952 | Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts | - Artificial sweetener | |
| E953 | lsomalt | - Sweetener - High temperature stability | - Used as a sweetener in heat-treated products eg, bakery products |
| E954 | Saccharin and its Na, K, and Ca salts | - Calorie-free artificial sweetener | - Low calorie products, soft drinks, and confectionery |
| E955 | Sucralose | - Sweetener | - Candy, breakfast bars, soft drinks, canned fruits |
| E957 | Thaumatin | - Sweetener - Natural plant protein | - May be used in beverages, dairy products, or chewing gum |
| E959 | Neohesperidine DC | - Sweetener - Derived from citrus | - Widely used in desserts, dairy products, confectionary, and beverages |
| E960 | Steviol glycoside | - Sweetener | - Widely used in carbonated soft drinks, juice, tea, desserts, dairy products, confectionary, and other products |
| E961 | Neotame | - Sweetener, similar to aspartame (E951) | - Widely used (see E951) |
| E962 | Salt of aspartame-acesulfame | - Low-calorie sweetener | |
| E964 | Polyglycitol syrup | - Sweetener | |
| E965 | Maltitol | - Naturally occurring sugar in grapes and corn | - Confectionery, cakes, biscuits, puddings, desserts, soft drinks, convenience foods |
| E966 | Lactitol | - Synthetic sweetener - Derived from lactose | - Replacement bulk sweetener for low-calorie foods |
| E967 | Xylitol | - Sweetener | - Widely used as sugar substitute eg, confectionary, sweet sauces, liqueurs, jams, desserts |
| E968 | Erythritol | - Sweetener - Made from carbohydrate fermentation | |
| E969 | Advantame | - Sweetener | - Tabletop sweetener, confectionary, bubblegum, flavoured drinks, and other products |
| **E number** | **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| E322 | Lecithins | - Type of fat or lipid compound found naturally in all living organisms, protective against cholesterol deposition - Egg yolk is a rich source of lecithins, but commercially, most is obtained from soya beans - Used as an antioxidant and emulsifier | - Found in chocolate and chocolate products, powdered milk, margarine, and potato snacks |
| E400 | Alginic acid | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, gelling agent, and thickener extracted from brown seaweed | - Frequently added to ice cream, instant desserts, and puddings |
| E401 | Sodium alginate | - Salt of alginic acid with similar functions (see E400) | - See E400 (alginic acid) |
| E402 | Potassium alginate | - Salt of alginic acid with similar functions (see E400) | - See E400 (alginic acid) |
| E403 | Ammonium alginate | - Salt of alginic acid with similar functions (see E400) | - See E400 (alginic acid) |
| E404 | Calcium alginate | - Salt of alginic acid with similar functions (see E400) | - See E400 (alginic acid) |
| E405 | Propane-1,2-diol alginate; propylene glycol alginate (PGA) | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent - Ester made from alginic acid (E400) and [propylene glycol](/topics/contact-allergy-to-propylene-glycol) (E1520) | |
| E406 | Agar | - Naturally occurring gum extracted from seaweeds - Not digested so acts a source of dietary fibre - Also acts as a stabiliser and gelling agent | - Used in tinned ham, meat glazes, and in ice cream |
| E407 | Carrageenan (Irish moss) | - Gum naturally present in red seaweed - Used as an emulsifier, stabiliser, and gelling agent | - Found in ice cream - Alternative to gelatin |
| E407a | Processed eucheuma seaweed | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E410 | Locust bean gum; carob gum | - Natural extract from the Carob tree seed - Similar to E407 | - Added to ice cream, and soups - Carob is a non-caffeine containing substitute for cocoa and chocolate - Used in beverages, confectionery, and baked products |
| E412 | Guar gum (cluster bean gum) | - Naturally occurring seed gum from a tree of the pea family - Used as a thickener and stabiliser | - Added to bottled sauces, soup, ice cream, and frozen desserts |
| E413 | Tragacanth | - Natural gum obtained from a tree of the pea family - Used as a stabiliser, emulsifier, and thickener - Used to prevent crystallisation of sugar | - Similar to E412 and in confectionery |
| E414 | Acacia gum; gum arabic | - Similar to E413 | - Similar to E413 |
| E415 | Xanthan gum | - Made from fermentation of carbohydrates by bacteria - Used as an emulsifier, stabiliser, and thickener | - Added to ice cream and bottled sauces |
| E416 | Karaya gum | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E417 | Tara gum | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E418 | Gellan gum | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E425 | Konjac | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E426 | Soybean hemicellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E427 | Cassia gum | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E432 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; Polysorbate 20 | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E433 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate; Polysorbate 80 | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E434 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate; Polysorbate 40 | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E435 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate; Polysorbate 60 | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent - Prepared from sorbitol (E420) | - Bread and baked products |
| E436 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate; Polysorbate 65 | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E440a | Pectin | - Occurs naturally in fruits, roots, and stems of plants | - Used as a stabiliser and gelling agent - Added to preserves, jellies, and mint sauce |
| E440b | Amidated pectin | - Chemically treated pectin used as an emulsifier and gelling agent | - Preserves and jellies |
| E442 | Ammonium phosphatide | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E444 | Sucrose acetate isobutyrate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E445 | Glycerol esters of wood rosins | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickeners, and gelling agent | |
| E460 | Cellulose | - Fibrous part of plant cell walls used as a bulking agent | - Used in high fibre bread and low-calorie products |
| E461 | Methyl cellulose | - Derived from cellulose with similar properties | - Used in slimming foods |
| E462 | Ethyl cellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E463 | Hydroxypropyl cellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E464 | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E465 | Ethyl methyl cellulose | - Derived from cellulose with similar properties | - Added to fruit cake and bottled sauces |
| E466 | Carboxymethyl cellulose | - Derived from cellulose with similar properties | - Used in ice cream, cream products, and cheesecake mix |
| E468 | Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E469 | Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E470a | Sodium, potassium, and calcium salts of fatty acids | - Synthetically manufactured emulsifiers, stabilisers, and anti-caking agents | - Crisps and potato snacks |
| E470b | Magnesium salts of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E471 | Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Normal products of fat digestion but are prepared synthetically | - Frequently added to powdered milk, packet soup, cake, crisps, potato snacks, bread, baked products, and margarine |
| E472a | Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E472b | Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E472c | Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E472d | Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E472e | Mono- and diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E472f | Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E473 | Sucrose esters of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E474 | Sucroglycerides | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E475 | Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids | - Synthetic product of E471 used as an emulsifier and stabiliser | - Puddings and packet cheesecakes |
| E476 | Polyglycerol polyricinoleate | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E477 | Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids | - Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, and gelling agents | |
| E479b | Thermally oxidised soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E481 | Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate | - Prepared synthetically from lactic acid - Used as a stabiliser and emulsifier | - Potato snacks |
| E482 | Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E483 | Stearyl tartrate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E491 | Sorbitan monostearate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E492 | Sorbitan tristearate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E493 | Sorbitan monolaurate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E494 | Sorbitan monooleate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E495 | Sorbitan monopalmitate | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent | |
| E1103 | Invertase | - Emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, and gelling agent |
| **E number** | **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| E260 | Acetic acid | - Natural component of vinegar but generally manufactured from wood - Used as a preservative, acid, or colour diluent | - Found in pickles, bottled sauces, and chutneys |
| E261 | Potassium acetate | - Flavour agent, preservative, and acidity regulator - Potassium salt of acetic acid (E260) | - Used as flavouring agent in snack foods such as potato chips (vinegar taste) - Also used in potassium supplements |
| E262 | Sodium acetate | - Flavouring agent, preservative, and acid - Sodium salt of acetic acid (E260) | - Salt and vinegar chip flavouring, among other uses |
| E263 | Calcium acetate | - Flavouring agent, preservative, and acid - Calcium salt of acetic acid (E260) | |
| E270 | Lactic acid | - Produced by the fermentation of lactose (the sugar present in milk) - Occurs naturally in soured milk and yoghurt - Acts as a preservative, acid, flavour, and assists the action of antioxidants | - Widely used in salad dressings, cakes, biscuits, confectionery, and certain types of prepared meat dishes |
| E290 | Carbon dioxide | - Gas present in air, but produced synthetically for food - Adds the fizz to fizzy drinks (carbonation) - Also used as a coolant, freezant, propellant, preservative, and packaging gas | - Carbonated drinks |
| E296 | Malic acid | - Flavouring agent, acidity regulator, colour stabiliser | |
| E297 | Fumaric acid | - Prepared synthetically as an acid flavour | - Baked products |
| E325 | Sodium lactate | - Preservative, acidity regulator, and bulking agent | |
| E326 | Potassium lactate | - Preservative | - Meat and poultry products |
| E327 | Calcium lactate | - Firming agent, flavouring agent, thickener, stabiliser, antioxidant | - Used in fruit and vegetable processing - May be used in calcium supplements |
| E330 | Citric acid; lemon salt | - Acidity regulator, preservative | - Commonly used in canned foods, snacks, ice creams, soft drinks |
| E331 | Sodium citrates | - Preservatives, flavouring agents, emulsifiers - Sodium salt of citric acid (E330) | |
| E332 | Potassium citrates | - Acidity regulators, flavouring agents - Potassium salt of citric acid (E330) | - As well as food additive, may be used to treat kidney stones |
| E333 | Calcium citrates | - Preservatives, flavouring agents - Calcium salt of citric acid (E330) | - As well as food additive, sometimes used in calcium supplements |
| E334 | Tartaric acid (L-(+)) | - Acidity regulator, flavouring agent, raising agent, stabiliser | - Sugar production, confectionary, winemaking |
| E335 | Sodium tartrates | - Acidity regulators, stabilisers - Sodium salts of tartaric acid (E334) | - Binding agent in jellies, margarine, and sausage casings |
| E336 | Potassium tartrates | - Acidity regulators, stabilisers - Potassium salts of tartaric acid (E334) - Potassium bitartrate = cream of tartar | |
| E337 | Sodium potassium tartrates | - Acidity regulators, stabilisers - Double salts of tartaric acid | |
| E338 | Phosphoric acid | - Acid, flavouring | - Soft drinks, jams |
| E339 | Sodium phosphates | - Acidity regulator, thickener, emulsifier - Sodium salt of phosphoric acid (E338) | - Found in meat, cheese, and baked products |
| E340 | Potassium phosphates | - Acidity regulator, raising agent, stabiliser - Potassium salt of phosphoric acid (E338) | - As well as food additive, also used in some potassium supplements |
| E341 | Calcium phosphates | - Anti-caking agent, emulsifier, stabiliser, acidity regulator - Calcium salt of phosphoric acid (E338) | - Used to prevent lumps in powdered foods - Also used in some nutritional supplements |
| E343 | Magnesium phosphates | - Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, stabiliser | - Found in salt substitutes |
| E350 | Sodium malate | - Acidity regulator, flavouring agent - Sodium salt of malic acid (E296) | |
| E351 | Potassium malate | - Acidity regulator, antioxidant, flavouring agent - Potassium salt of malic acid (E296) | |
| E352 | Calcium malate | - Acidity regulator, flavouring agent, thickening agent - Calcium salt of malic acid (E296) | |
| E353 | Metatartaric acid | - Acidity regulator | - Used in wine production |
| E354 | Calcium tartrate | - Preservative and acidity regulator - Calcium salt of tartaric acid (E334) | |
| E355 | Adipic acid | - Acidity regulator, flavouring and raising agent - Naturally present in beets and sugar cane | - Used in baking powders, fizzy drinks, and drink mixes |
| E356 | Sodium adipate | - Sodium salt of adipic acid | |
| E357 | Potassium adipate | - Potassium salt of adipic acid | |
| E363 | Succinic acid | - Acidity regulator, flavouring, fragrance | |
| E380 | Triammonium citrate | - Acid regulator, buffer, emulsifier - Ammonium salt of citric acid | |
| E385 | Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate; calcium disodium EDTA | - Preservative, antioxidant | - Canned foods, soft drinks |
| E422 | Glycerol | - Flavour enhancer, sweetener, colouring agent, preservative | - Widely used in baked goods and confectionary |
| E423 | Octenyl succinic acid modified gum arabic | - Emulsifier - Chemical modification of gum arabic | - Processed meat, cheeses, jam, snacks, chewing gum |
| E450 | Diphosphates | - Acid regulators, emulsifiers - Salts of sodium / potassium / calcium with phosphates | - Many different products |
| E451 | Triphosphates | - Preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers - Potassium and sodium triphosphates | - Many different products |
| E452 | Polyphosphates | - Stabilisers, emulsifiers - Polyphosphates of potassium, calcium, ammonium, sodium | - Many different products |
| E459 | Beta-cyclodextrin; betadex | - Emulsifier, flavouring agent | - Dry mixes (eg, for baking, soups, flavoured coffee or tea), cereal, other processed products |
| E499 | Stigmasterol-rich plant sterols | ||
| E500 | Sodium carbonate | - Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, raising agent, stabiliser | |
| E501 | Potassium carbonate | - Acidity regulator, stabiliser, raising agent | - Baking - Can be used in potassium supplements |
| E503 | Ammonium carbonate | - Acidity regulator, stabiliser, leavening agent | - Flat-baked goods (eg, crackers, cookies) |
| E504 | Magnesium carbonate | - Acidity regulator, colouring agent, anti-caking agent - May have laxative effect in high concentrations | - Salts, icing sugar, dry mixes - Dietary supplements (source of magnesium) |
| E507 | Hydrochloric acid | - Acidity regulator | - Syrup production |
| E508 | Potassium chloride | - Flavouring agent, thickener | - Sodium-free salt alternative |
| E509 | Calcium chloride | - Preservative, stabiliser, firming agent, anti-caking agent, acid regulator | - Various food products, also used in some calcium supplements |
| E511 | Magnesium chloride | - Stabiliser, firming agent | - Tofu preparation from soy milk |
| E512 | Stannous chloride | - Antioxidant, colour retention agent | - Canned and bottled foods |
| E513 | Sulphuric acid | - Acidity regulator | - Beer preparation and dairy products |
| E514 | Sodium sulphate | - Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, stabiliser - Sodium salt of sulphuric acid | - Beer, biscuits, confectionary, chewing gum |
| E515 | Potassium sulphate | - Acid regulator, anti-caking agent - Potassium salt of sulphuric acid | - Salt substitute - Beer production |
| E516 | Calcium sulphate | - Buffer, firming agent - Calcium salt of sulphuric acid | - Soy products, tofu |
| E517 | Ammonium sulphate | - Acidity regulator - Ammonium salt of sulphuric acid | - Used in dough, baked products |
| E520 | Aluminium sulphate | - Aluminium salt of sulphuric acid | - Beer brewing |
| E521 | Aluminium sodium sulphate | - Acidity regulator, bleaching agent | - Flour, cheese, confectionary |
| E522 | Aluminium potassium sulphate | - Acidity regulator, raising agent | - Baking products |
| E523 | Aluminium ammonium sulphate | - Acidity regulator, stabiliser | - Baking products |
| E524 | Sodium hydroxide | - Acidity regulator | - Baking, and chocolate, cocoa, fruit, and olive processing |
| E525 | Potassium hydroxide | - Acidity regulator, stabiliser, thickening agent | |
| E526 | Calcium hydroxide | - Acidity regulator, preservative | - Beer production - Pretzel glazing - Vegetable processing |
| E527 | Ammonium hydroxide | - Acidity regulator | - Baked goods - Confectionary - Puddings |
| E528 | Magnesium hydroxide | - Anti-caking agent, acidity regulator | - Cheese, canned vegetables |
| E529 | Calcium oxide (quicklime) | - Acidity regulator, raising agent | - Sugar production - Baked products |
| E530 | Magnesium oxide | - Anti-caking agent, acidity regulator | - Manufacture of powdered goods (eg, milk powder) - Also used for relief of heartburn / reflux |
| E535 | Sodium ferrocyanide | - Anti-caking agent | - Added to table salt |
| E536 | Potassium ferrocyanide | - Anti-caking agent | - In table salts |
| E538 | Calcium ferrocyanide | - Anti-caking agent | - In table salts |
| E541 | Sodium aluminium phosphate | - Synthetically prepared raising agent | - Self-raising flour |
| E551 | Silicon dioxide (Silica) | - Derived from sand - Used as an anti-caking agent | - Potato snacks |
| E552 | Calcium silicate | - Salt of silicon dioxide with similar functions - Also used as a glazing agent, acid regulator, releasing agent, and coating agent | - Found in chewing gum, meat pies, salt, and confectionery |
| E553a | (i) Magnesium silicate (ii) Magnesium trisilicate | - Salt of silicon dioxide with similar functions | |
| E553b | Talc | - Anti-caking agent, bulking agent, glazing agent | |
| E554 | Sodium aluminium silicate | - Anti-caking agent | - Used in salt and sugar products, egg mixes, flours, dried milk substitutes |
| E555 | Potassium aluminium silicate | - Anti-caking agent | |
| E570 | Fatty acids; stearic acid | - Anti-caking agent, flavouring agent | - Baked products, chewing gum, confectionary, artificial sweeteners |
| E574 | Gluconic acid | - Acidity regulator | |
| E575 | Glucono delta-lactone (GDL); gluconolactone | - Acidity regulator, preservative, raising agent | - Tofu making - Baked, meat, and cheese products |
| E576 | Sodium gluconate | - Stabiliser, thickener, sequestrant - Sodium salt of gluconic acid | |
| E577 | Potassium gluconate | - Sequestrant, stabiliser, anti-caking, thickening agent - Potassium salt of gluconic acid | |
| E578 | Calcium gluconate | - Anti-caking agent, thickener, stabiliser, acidity regulator - Calcium salt of gluconic acid | - Health products eg, bodybuilding formulas, sports drinks - Cereal - Beverages - Dietary supplements (calcium source) |
| E579 | Ferrous gluconate | - Colouring agent, nutritional supplement | - Processing black olives - Iron source (food fortification) |
| E585 | Ferrous lactate | - Acidity regulator, flavouring, colour retention agent, nutritional supplement | - Iron source (food fortification) |
| E620 | L-Glutamic acid | - Naturally occurring amino acid obtained from protein but generally manufactured by bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates - Used as a flavour enhancer and salt substitute | - Used as a nutrient to increase protein values |
| E621 | Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | - Present naturally in seaweed but generally prepared chemically from sugar beet - Flavour enhancer of protein rich foods | - Meat, Chinese foods, packet convenience meals and snacks (eg, soup), dried products, crisps, and potato snacks |
| E622 | Monopotassium glutamate | - Similar to monosodium glutamate | - Similar to E621 |
| E623 | Calcium glutamate | - Similar to monosodium glutamate | - Similar to E621 |
| E624 | Monoammonium glutamate | - Ammonium salt of glutamic acid | |
| E625 | Magnesium diglutamate | ||
| E626 | Guanylic acid | - More expensive additive | - May be found in snacks, packet soups, and instant noodles |
| E627 | Disodium guanylate | - Occurs naturally in sardines and yeast extract but generally manufactured synthetically - Used as a flavour enhancer | - Often added to crisps and other potato snacks, gravy granules and pre-cooked dried rice |
| E628 | Dipotassium guanylate | - Flavour enhancer - Potassium salt of guanylic acid | |
| E629 | Calcium guanylate | - Flavour enhancer - Calcium salt of guanylic acid | |
| E630 | Inosinic acid | - Flavour enhancer | |
| E631 | Disodium inosinate | - Made from sardines and meat extract | - Similar to E627 |
| E632 | Dipotassium inosinate | - Flavour enhancer | |
| E633 | Calcium inosinate | - Flavour enhancer | |
| E634 | Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides | - Flavour enhancer | - Mainly used in low sodium (low salt) products |
| E635 | Sodium-5-ribonucleotide | - Mixture of E627 and E631 | - Added to crisps, potato snacks, and packet soups |
| E640 | Glycine and its sodium salt | - Glycine is an amino acid - Used as flavour enhancer and sweetener | - Bread enhancer - Also used in food supplements and protein drinks |
| E641 | L-leucine | - Flavouring agent - Amino acid | |
| E650 | Zinc acetate | - Flavour enhancer | |
| E900 | Dimethylpolysiloxane | - Anti-foaming agent | - Fats and oils |
| E901 | Beeswax, white and yellow | - Glazing agent | |
| E902 | Candelilla wax | - Glazing agent, occlusive | - Chewing gums - Surface finishing agent |
| E903 | Carnauba wax | - Glazing agent | - Confectionary, fruit, nuts, chocolate, chewing gum, baked goods, and coffee beans |
| E904 | Shellac | - Glazing agent | - Fruit, candy coating |
| E905 | Microcrystalline wax | - Glazing agent | - Fruit, candy, cheese, chewing gum |
| E907 | Hydrogenated poly-1-decene | ||
| E914 | Oxidised polyethylene wax | - Glazing / coating agent | - Fruit |
| E920 | L-cysteine | - Amino acid | - Bread enhancer |
| E927b | Carbamide | ||
| E938 | Argon | - Packaging gas | |
| E939 | Helium | - Packaging gas | |
| E941 | Nitrogen | - Packaging gas | |
| E942 | Nitrous oxide | - Aerosol spray propellant | |
| E943a | Butane | - Aerosol spray propellant | |
| E943b | Iso-butane | - Aerosol spray propellant | |
| E944 | Propane | - Aerosol spray propellant | |
| E948 | Oxygen | - Packaging gas | |
| E949 | Hydrogen | - Packaging gas | |
| E999 | Quillaia extract | - Stabiliser, surfactant | - Humectant in baked goods - Soft drink foaming agent |
| E1200 | Polydextrose | - Naturally occurring sugar in grapes and corn | - Confectionery, cakes, biscuits, puddings, desserts, soft drinks, and convenience foods |
| E1201 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) | - Stabiliser, emulsifier, thickener | - Food additive and used in wine production |
| E1202 | Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) | - Clarifying agent for beer, wine, and vinegar | |
| E1203 | Polyvinyl alcohol | - Thickener, glazing agent | - Powdered desserts, confectionary, food supplements |
| E1204 | Pullulan | - Thickener - Natural polysaccharide | - Edible decorating film in bakery products and confectionary - Thickener in sauces and dressings |
| E1205 | Basic methacrylate copolymer | - Glazing/coating agent | |
| E1206 | Neutral methacrylate copolymer | - Glazing agent | |
| E1207 | Anionic methacrylate copolymer | - Glazing/coating agent | |
| E1208 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer | ||
| E1209 | Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol-graft copolymer; PVA-PEG graft copolymer | - Glazing agent, stabiliser | |
| E1400-1414 | Starches | - Generally of maize, corn, potato, wheat, or tapioca in origin - Used to modify texture and stability | - Sauces, chutneys, confectionery, desserts, meat, fish, dairy, and baked products |
| E1404 | Oxidised starch | ||
| E1410 | Monostarch phosphate | - Anti-caking agent, thickener, stabiliser, emulsifier, glazing agent | |
| E1412 | Distarch phosphate | - Modified starch | - Fruit gels and cream fillings, baked goods |
| E1413 | Phosphated distarch phosphate | - Stabiliser while freezing / thawing | - Soups, sauces, frozen pies etc. |
| E1414 | Acetylated distarch phosphate | - Stabiliser, emulsifier | - Oily foods |
| E1420 | Acetylated starch | - Modified starch | |
| E1422 | Acetylated distarch adipate | - Thickening agent | - Sauces |
| E1440 | Hydroxyl propyl starch | - Modified starch | |
| E1442 | Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate | - Modified starch | |
| E1450 | Starch sodium octenyl succinate | - Emulsifier - Modified starch | |
| E1451 | Acetylated oxidised starch | ||
| E1452 | Starch aluminium Octenyl succinate | - Anti-caking, thickening, emulsifying, and glazing roles | |
| E1505 | Triethyl citrate | - Stabiliser, antioxidant, glazing agent - Ester of citric acid | - Stabilises |
| E1517 | Glyceryl diacetate; diacetin | - Solvent for other additives | |
| E1518 | Glyceryl triacetate; triacetin | - Humectant, flavouring agent | |
| E1520 | Propan-1,2-diol; propylene glycol | - Synthetic carrier for extracts, flavours, and spices - Functions as a stabiliser and humectant | - Miscellaneous foods |
| E1521 | Polyethylene glycol (PEG) | - Colouring agent, emulsifier, flavouring, humectant |
Numbers without an E prefix that are under consideration for becoming E numbers, and commonly used additives that have not yet been given numbers, are included in Table 7.
| **Name** | **Description** | **Examples of use** |
| Arrowroot | - Natural plant starch used as a thickening agent | - In glazes and jellies |
| Caffeine | - Naturally occurring flavouring agent | - Used in energy drinks - Labelling rules apply |
| Calciferol | - [Vitamin D ](/topics/vitamin-d) - Generally extracted from yeast | - Used to fortify margarine |
| Calcium bromate | - Maturing agent and flour improver | - Used in bread - Banned in the EU |
| Casein | - Naturally present milk protein used as an emulsifier, texturiser, and a dietary supplement | - Miscellaneous foods |
| Chlorine | - Synthetically prepared bleaching agent | - White flour, white bread, cakes, and puddings |
| Chlorine dioxide | - Synthetically prepared additive, similar to chlorine - Also used as a water purifier and oxidising agent | - Similar to chlorine |
| Corn syrup | - Glucose obtained from corn or maize starch - Used as a sweetener | - Miscellaneous foods |
| Extenders | - Frequently a soya bean product, used to make meat go further | - Meat products |
| Fructose | - Naturally occuring sugar, present in fruit and honey - Acts as a sweetener | - Miscellaneous foods |
| Gelatine | - Protein extract from animal bones and tissue - Used as a stabiliser and gelling agent | - Jellies, glazes, certain dessert products |
| Hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) | - Produced chemically from raw protein - Flavour enhancer | - Soups, gravy, and meat products |
| Invert sugar | - Syrup of 50% glucose and 50% fructose - Humectant and sweetener | - Confectionary and sweet products |
| [Iodine](/topics/iodine) | - Found in seafood | - Added to salt |
| Lactose | - Sugar present naturally in milk - Used as a humectant and sweetener | - Infant formula |
| Niacin / nicotinic acid | - Naturally occurring B group vitamin - Added to fortify food | - Breakfast cereals |
| Potassium bromate | - Oxidising agent, improver, and bleaching agent - Manufactured synthetically | - Added to flour - No longer approved in EU |
| Sodium chloride / salt | - Naturally occurring mineral - Acts as preservative and flavour enhancer | - Miscellaneous foods |
| Sucrose | - From cane or beet sugar - Preservative and sweetener | - Available as molasses, granulated caster, icing, and demerara sugar |
| Thiamine | - Naturally occurring Vitamin B1 - Generally manufactured synthetically - Added to fortify food | - Breakfast cereals |
| Vanillin | - Naturally occurring flavouring - Generally manufactured synthetically | - Baked products |
