The identifier for a food additive approved for use in the European Union. The list and the conditions of use are set out in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and its annexes. The number is a permission, not a rating: it says the additive is approved for specified uses at specified levels, nothing more.

Do I have to use E numbers on the label?

In the EU an additive is declared by its functional class followed by either its name or its E number, so either form is acceptable. Outside the EU the convention differs: a US label uses the common or usual name and E numbers are not used, so the same product needs a different ingredient statement.

Does an E number mean the additive is artificial?

No. E300 is ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C. E160a is carotene. E440 is pectin. The numbering system covers naturally derived and synthesised additives alike, and it says nothing about origin or processing. It is a common misreading and it drives a lot of avoidable reformulation.

Is an EU-approved additive automatically approved elsewhere?

No. Approvals, permitted levels and permitted categories differ by jurisdiction, and an additive cleared in the EU may be restricted or prohibited in another market, or permitted at a different level. Check the destination market before assuming a formulation travels.

E-Number Decoder

The free E-Number Decoder looks up the 85+ EU food additive codes listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Search by E-number or name to see each additive's function, origin and vegan, halal and kosher flags, with notes on allergens and additives that are restricted in some countries.

Search by code, name, or function

E100Curcumin

plant

Colour · Colours

Yellow-orange pigment extracted from turmeric root.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E101Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

microbial

Colour · Colours

Yellow. Produced by fermentation; some grades from animal sources.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E102Tartrazine

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Bright yellow azo dye. EU requires warning label re: attention deficit in children.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E104Quinoline Yellow

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Yellow-green. Banned in food in US, permitted in EU with hyperactivity warning.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E110Sunset Yellow FCF

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Orange azo dye. FDA name: FD&C Yellow No. 6. Requires EU hyperactivity warning.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E120Cochineal / Carmine

animal

Colour · Colours

Crimson red extracted from cochineal insects. Not vegan.

Vegan:No

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E122Azorubine / Carmoisine

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Red azo dye. Banned in food in US, permitted in EU.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E124Ponceau 4R

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Bright red azo dye. Banned in US, permitted in EU.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E127Erythrosine

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Cherry-pink dye. FDA name: FD&C Red No. 3. FDA revoked food use Jan 2025.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E129Allura Red AC

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Red azo dye. FDA name: FD&C Red No. 40.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E131Patent Blue V

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Deep blue. Banned in US.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E132Indigo Carmine

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Blue. FDA name: FD&C Blue No. 2.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E133Brilliant Blue FCF

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Blue. FDA name: FD&C Blue No. 1.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E140Chlorophylls

plant

Colour · Colours

Green pigment from plants.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E150aPlain Caramel

plant

Colour · Colours

Brown. Made by heating carbohydrates.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E150dSulphite-Ammonia Caramel

synthetic

Colour · Colours

Dark brown. Used in cola drinks. Contains 4-MEI byproduct (California Prop 65).

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E160aBeta-Carotene

plant

Colour · Colours

Orange-yellow. Also Vitamin A precursor.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E160bAnnatto

plant

Colour · Colours

Orange-red from achiote seeds.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E160cPaprika Extract

plant

Colour · Colours

Red-orange from paprika peppers.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E162Beetroot Red / Betanin

plant

Colour · Colours

Deep red from beetroot.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E163Anthocyanins

plant

Colour · Colours

Purple/red/blue from berries, grapes, red cabbage.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E170Calcium Carbonate

mineral

Colour · Colours

White. Also used as calcium supplement.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E171Titanium Dioxide

mineral

Colour · Colours

White. Banned in food in EU since Aug 2022.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E172Iron Oxides

mineral

Colour · Colours

Yellow, red, black.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E200Sorbic Acid

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Anti-mould, anti-yeast.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E202Potassium Sorbate

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Widely used in baked goods, dairy, cured meats.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E210Benzoic Acid

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Acid, low-pH foods. May form benzene with Vitamin C in beverages.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E211Sodium Benzoate

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Common in soft drinks and pickles.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E220Sulphur Dioxide

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Wine, dried fruit. Sulphite allergen; must be declared in EU/US above 10 ppm.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E223Sodium Metabisulphite

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Sulphite allergen. Dried fruit, wine, seafood.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E249Potassium Nitrite

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Cured meats. Forms N-nitroso compounds under heat.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E250Sodium Nitrite

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Cured meats: bacon, ham, hot dogs.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E251Sodium Nitrate

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Cured meats, cheeses.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E260Acetic Acid

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Vinegar. Also flavouring.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E270Lactic Acid

microbial

Preservative · Preservatives

Fermentation-derived; some from dairy but most industrial from beet or corn.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E280Propionic Acid

synthetic

Preservative · Preservatives

Bread anti-mould.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E300Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

synthetic

Antioxidant · Antioxidants

Vitamin C. Anti-browning in foods.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E301Sodium Ascorbate

synthetic

Antioxidant · Antioxidants

Sodium salt of Vitamin C. Cured meats.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E306Tocopherol Concentrate

plant

Antioxidant · Antioxidants

Natural Vitamin E from vegetable oils.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E320BHA

synthetic

Antioxidant · Antioxidants

Butylated hydroxyanisole. NIH lists as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen".

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E321BHT

synthetic

Antioxidant · Antioxidants

Butylated hydroxytoluene. Used in fats and cereals.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E322Lecithins

mixed

Emulsifier · Emulsifiers

Commercial lecithin is usually soy or sunflower (vegan). Egg lecithin exists but is rare.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E330Citric Acid

microbial

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

Made from Aspergillus niger fermentation.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E331Sodium Citrates

synthetic

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

Buffering agent: dairy, meat products.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E338Phosphoric Acid

mineral

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

Cola drinks, cheese.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E406Agar

plant

Gelling Agent · Emulsifiers

From red seaweed. Vegan alternative to gelatine.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E407Carrageenan

plant

Thickener · Emulsifiers

From red seaweed. Dairy alternatives, deli meats.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E410Locust Bean Gum

plant

Thickener · Emulsifiers

From carob seeds.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E412Guar Gum

plant

Thickener · Emulsifiers

From guar bean.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E414Gum Arabic

plant

Stabiliser · Emulsifiers

From acacia tree sap.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E415Xanthan Gum

microbial

Thickener · Emulsifiers

Bacterial fermentation. Feedstock may be corn, soy, wheat, or dairy.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E420Sorbitol

plant

Sweetener · Sweeteners

Sugar alcohol. Laxative effect over ~20 g/day.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E440Pectin

plant

Gelling Agent · Emulsifiers

From citrus peel or apple pomace. Jams, jellies.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E441Gelatine

animal

Gelling Agent · Emulsifiers

From animal bones/hides. Not vegan. Halal/kosher only if source-certified.

Vegan:No

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E466Carboxymethyl Cellulose

plant

Thickener · Emulsifiers

CMC. Ice cream, low-fat foods.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E471Mono- and Diglycerides

mixed

Emulsifier · Emulsifiers

From plant or animal fats; supplier disclosure required.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E472eDATEM

mixed

Emulsifier · Emulsifiers

Diacetyl tartaric acid esters. Common in bread.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E500Sodium Carbonates

mineral

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

Baking soda (E500ii) is sodium bicarbonate.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E503Ammonium Carbonates

synthetic

Raising Agent · Acidity Regulators

Baker's ammonia: traditional gingerbread, cookies.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E507Hydrochloric Acid

mineral

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

pH adjuster in gelatin production, corn syrup.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E524Sodium Hydroxide

mineral

Acidity Regulator · Acidity Regulators

Lye. Pretzels, olives.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E535Sodium Ferrocyanide

synthetic

Anti-Caking · Acidity Regulators

Table salt anti-caking.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E620Glutamic Acid

microbial

Flavour Enhancer · Flavour Enhancers

Naturally in tomatoes, cheese, meat.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E621Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

microbial

Flavour Enhancer · Flavour Enhancers

Fermented from starch, sugar beet, or molasses. FDA GRAS.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E627Disodium Guanylate

mixed

Flavour Enhancer · Flavour Enhancers

Often derived from fish or yeast. Supplier disclosure needed.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E631Disodium Inosinate

mixed

Flavour Enhancer · Flavour Enhancers

Often derived from fish, sometimes bacterial fermentation.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E635Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides

mixed

Flavour Enhancer · Flavour Enhancers

Mixture of E627 + E631.

Vegan:Depends on source

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E901Beeswax

animal

Glazing Agent · Glazing / Waxes

Coating for confectionery, fruit.

Vegan:No

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E902Candelilla Wax

plant

Glazing Agent · Glazing / Waxes

From Candelilla shrub.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E903Carnauba Wax

plant

Glazing Agent · Glazing / Waxes

From Brazilian palm leaves.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E904Shellac

animal

Glazing Agent · Glazing / Waxes

From lac insects. Not vegan.

Vegan:No

Halal:Depends on source

Kosher:Depends on source

E950Acesulfame Potassium

synthetic

Sweetener · Sweeteners

~200× sweeter than sugar. Zero calorie.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E951Aspartame

synthetic

Sweetener · Sweeteners

~200× sweeter than sugar. Contains phenylalanine; PKU warning required.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E952Cyclamate

synthetic

Sweetener · Sweeteners

Banned in US since 1969. Permitted in EU.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E954Saccharin

synthetic

Sweetener · Sweeteners

~300× sweeter than sugar.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E955Sucralose

synthetic

Sweetener · Sweeteners

~600× sweeter than sugar.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E960Steviol Glycosides

plant

Sweetener · Sweeteners

From Stevia rebaudiana leaves.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E965Maltitol

plant

Sweetener · Sweeteners

Sugar alcohol. Laxative effect.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E967Xylitol

plant

Sweetener · Sweeteners

Sugar alcohol from birch/corn. Toxic to dogs.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E968Erythritol

microbial

Sweetener · Sweeteners

Sugar alcohol from fermented glucose.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E1200Polydextrose

synthetic

Bulking Agent · Other

Soluble fibre. Low-calorie bulking.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E1400Dextrin

plant

Thickener · Other

Modified starch.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E1414Acetylated Distarch Phosphate

plant

Thickener · Other

Modified starch for freeze-thaw stability.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E1420Acetylated Starch

plant

Thickener · Other

Modified starch for shelf-stable products.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

E1442Hydroxypropyl Distarch Phosphate

plant

Thickener · Other

Very common in processed foods.

Vegan:Yes

Halal:Yes

Kosher:Yes

Data source: EU Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 Annex II · Codex Alimentarius GSFA · JECFA specifications.

Dietary flags reflect default sourcing. Halal / kosher / vegan certification always depends on the specific supplier.

E-Number Decoder

How E numbers work

A numbering system, not a warning

How they appear in an ingredient list

Permission is use-specific

The colours that carry a mandatory warning

The US does not use E numbers

Common questions

The rules this tool implements

Read more

E-Number Decoder

How E numbers work

A numbering system, not a warning

How they appear in an ingredient list

Permission is use-specific

The colours that carry a mandatory warning

The US does not use E numbers

Common questions

Other tools

The rules this tool implements

Read more