The Complete A-to-Z of EU Food Additives: Every Authorised E Number, Explained One by One
The Union list of authorised food additives from Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, presented as individual entries, by InfoCons
An entry-by-entry guide to the EU list of food additives – InfoCons Consumer Protection
This article presents the Union list of authorised food additives from Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 in the most consumer-friendly way possible: as a series of individual entries, one for every additive, each identified by its E number and name and accompanied by a short, plain-language explanation. Instead of a dense table, each additive is given its own mini-section, so you can find and understand any E number you encounter on a label. This guide is prepared by InfoCons – Consumer Protection.
The additives are presented in the three groups used by the Union list: colours, sweeteners, and additives other than colours and sweeteners. Within each group, entries follow the E-number order. Remember that many additives are multifunctional and may perform different roles in different foods; the note for each entry gives its main function or nature. The presence of an E number always means the substance has been assessed, authorised and tied to defined conditions of use.
A short reminder before the list: an E number is not a warning sign but a transparent, standardised identifier that means the same thing in every EU country. Some additives are of natural origin, some are nature-identical, and some are synthetic – the E number alone does not tell you which. What matters most, as InfoCons – Consumer Protection consistently emphasises, is understanding what each additive does and being aware of how many additives you accumulate across your whole basket and across a single meal.
Group 1: Colours – InfoCons Consumer Protection
The colours authorised in the Union list, each as an individual entry:
E 100 – Curcumin
A yellow-orange colour obtained from turmeric root; also used for its natural origin appeal.
E 101 – Riboflavins
A yellow colour that is also known as vitamin B2, giving a natural yellow hue.
E 102 – Tartrazine
A synthetic lemon-yellow azo colour; one of the colours subject to the children's attention warning.
E 104 – Quinoline Yellow
A synthetic yellow colour; also subject to the children's attention warning.
E 110 – Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S
A synthetic orange-yellow azo colour; subject to the children's attention warning.
E 120 – Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines
A red colour obtained from cochineal insects, valued for its stability.
E 122 – Azorubine, Carmoisine
A synthetic red azo colour; subject to the children's attention warning.
E 123 – Amaranth
A synthetic dark-red azo colour with restricted uses; not sold directly to consumers.
E 124 – Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A
A synthetic red azo colour; subject to the children's attention warning.
E 127 – Erythrosine
A synthetic cherry-pink colour with restricted uses; not sold directly to consumers.
E 129 – Allura Red AC
A synthetic red azo colour; subject to the children's attention warning.
E 131 – Patent Blue V
A synthetic blue colour used in a range of products.
E 132 – Indigotine, Indigo carmine
A synthetic blue colour derived from indigo chemistry.
E 133 – Brilliant Blue FCF
A synthetic bright-blue colour widely used in confectionery and drinks.
E 140 – Chlorophylls and chlorophyllins
Green colours obtained from plant material, of natural origin.
E 141 – Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins
More stable green colours based on chlorophyll with copper.
E 142 – Green S
A synthetic green colour.
E 150a – Plain caramel
A brown colour produced by controlled heating of carbohydrates, without other reagents.
E 150b – Caustic sulphite caramel
A brown caramel colour produced with sulphite compounds.
E 150c – Ammonia caramel
A brown caramel colour produced with ammonium compounds.
E 150d – Sulphite ammonia caramel
A brown caramel colour typical of colas and many dark drinks.
E 151 – Brilliant Black BN, Black PN
A synthetic black colour used in small amounts for shading.
E 153 – Vegetable carbon
A black colour obtained from charred plant material.
E 155 – Brown HT
A synthetic brown azo colour; subject to the children's attention warning.
E 160a – Carotenes
Orange colours related to those in carrots; also a source of provitamin A.
E 160b – Annatto, bixin, norbixin
An orange-red colour from the seeds of the achiote tree; not sold directly to consumers.
E 160c – Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin
A red-orange colour extracted from paprika peppers.
E 160d – Lycopene
A red colour, the pigment that gives tomatoes their colour.
E 160e – Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)
An orange colour related to the carotenoids.
E 161b – Lutein
A yellow colour, a carotenoid found in marigold and other plants.
E 161g – Canthaxanthin
An orange-red carotenoid colour with restricted authorisation; not sold directly to consumers.
E 162 – Beetroot Red, betanin
A red colour obtained from beetroot.
E 163 – Anthocyanins
Red, purple and blue colours obtained from fruits and vegetables.
E 170 – Calcium carbonate
A white colour and mineral, also used as an acidity regulator and anti-caking agent.
E 171 – Titanium dioxide
A white colour and opacifier used to whiten and brighten products.
E 172 – Iron oxides and hydroxides
Yellow, red, brown and black mineral colours.
E 173 – Aluminium
A metallic silver colour for external decoration; restricted and not sold directly to consumers.
E 174 – Silver
A metallic colour used for the external decoration of confectionery.
E 175 – Gold
A metallic colour used for the external decoration of confectionery.
E 180 – Litholrubine BK
A synthetic red colour used mainly on the edible rind of cheese; not sold directly to consumers.
Group 2: Sweeteners – InfoCons Consumer Protection
The sweeteners authorised in the Union list, each as an individual entry:
E 420 – Sorbitols
A polyol (sugar alcohol) used as a sweetener, humectant and bulking agent.
E 421 – Mannitol
A polyol used as a sweetener and anti-caking agent.
E 950 – Acesulfame K
An intense synthetic sweetener, many times sweeter than sugar.
E 951 – Aspartame
An intense sweetener; a source of phenylalanine, which must be declared.
E 952 – Cyclamates
Intense synthetic sweeteners used in drinks and table-top products.
E 953 – Isomalt
A polyol bulk sweetener, non-cariogenic, used in sugar-free sweets.
E 954 – Saccharins
Intense synthetic sweeteners with a long history of use.
E 955 – Sucralose
An intense sweetener made from sucrose, stable to heat.
E 957 – Thaumatin
A naturally sweet protein used as a sweetener and flavour enhancer.
E 959 – Neohesperidine DC
An intense sweetener derived from citrus.
E 960 – Steviol glycosides
A natural intense sweetener obtained from the stevia plant.
E 961 – Neotame
An intense synthetic sweetener, extremely potent.
E 962 – Salt of aspartame-acesulfame
An intense sweetener combining two sweeteners; a source of phenylalanine.
E 964 – Polyglycitol syrup
A polyol bulk sweetener.
E 965 – Maltitols
Polyol bulk sweeteners widely used in sugar-free confectionery.
E 966 – Lactitol
A polyol bulk sweetener.
E 967 – Xylitol
A polyol sweetener, non-cariogenic and tooth-friendly.
E 968 – Erythritol
A low-energy polyol sweetener.
E 969 – Advantame
An intense synthetic sweetener of very high potency.
Group 3: Additives other than colours and sweeteners – InfoCons Consumer Protection
The additives other than colours and sweeteners authorised in the Union list, each as an individual entry:
E 170 – Calcium carbonate
A mineral used as an acidity regulator, anti-caking agent and firming agent.
E 172 – Iron oxides and hydroxides
Mineral substances used mainly as colours.
E 200 – Sorbic acid
A preservative effective against moulds and yeasts.
E 202 – Potassium sorbate
The potassium salt of sorbic acid, a widely used preservative.
E 203 – Calcium sorbate
A calcium salt used as a preservative.
E 210 – Benzoic acid
A preservative active against yeasts and moulds; may occur naturally in some fermented foods.
E 211 – Sodium benzoate
A common preservative, the sodium salt of benzoic acid.
E 212 – Potassium benzoate
A benzoate preservative.
E 213 – Calcium benzoate
A benzoate preservative.
E 214 – Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
A preservative of the parabens family.
E 215 – Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
A sodium salt paraben preservative.
E 218 – Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
A paraben preservative.
E 219 – Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
A sodium salt paraben preservative.
E 220 – Sulphur dioxide
A preservative and antioxidant; a declarable allergen for sensitive people.
E 221 – Sodium sulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 222 – Sodium hydrogen sulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 223 – Sodium metabisulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 224 – Potassium metabisulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 226 – Calcium sulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 227 – Calcium hydrogen sulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 228 – Potassium hydrogen sulphite
A sulphite preservative; declarable allergen.
E 234 – Nisin
A preservative of microbial origin, used mainly in cheeses.
E 235 – Natamycin
A preservative of microbial origin, used on cheese and sausage surfaces.
E 239 – Hexamethylene tetramine
A preservative used in specific cheeses.
E 242 – Dimethyl dicarbonate
A preservative used in certain beverages.
E 243 – Ethyl lauroyl arginate
A preservative used in specified products.
E 249 – Potassium nitrite
A preservative for cured meats; inhibits Clostridium botulinum, sold only mixed with salt.
E 250 – Sodium nitrite
A preservative for cured meats; sold only in a mixture with salt or salt substitute.
E 251 – Sodium nitrate
A preservative for cured meats and some cheeses.
E 252 – Potassium nitrate
A preservative used in cured meats and some cheeses.
E 260 – Acetic acid
The acid of vinegar, used as an acid and acidity regulator.
E 261 – Potassium acetates
Acidity regulators, salts of acetic acid.
E 262 – Sodium acetates
Acidity regulators and preservatives (sodium acetate and diacetate).
E 263 – Calcium acetate
An acidity regulator and firming agent.
E 270 – Lactic acid
A naturally occurring acid used as an acid and acidity regulator.
E 280 – Propionic acid
A preservative effective against moulds, used in bakery products.
E 281 – Sodium propionate
A propionate preservative used in baked goods.
E 282 – Calcium propionate
A propionate preservative used in bread and baked goods.
E 283 – Potassium propionate
A propionate preservative.
E 284 – Boric acid
A preservative with restricted, specific uses.
E 285 – Sodium tetraborate (borax)
A preservative with restricted, specific uses.
E 290 – Carbon dioxide
A gas used for carbonation, packaging and as a propellant.
E 296 – Malic acid
An acid found naturally in apples, used as an acid and acidity regulator.
E 297 – Fumaric acid
An acid used as an acid and acidity regulator.
E 300 – Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, used as an antioxidant and flour treatment agent.
E 301 – Sodium ascorbate
An antioxidant, the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
E 302 – Calcium ascorbate
An antioxidant, the calcium salt of ascorbic acid.
E 304 – Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid
Fat-soluble antioxidants based on ascorbic acid.
E 306 – Tocopherol-rich extract
A natural antioxidant rich in vitamin E.
E 307 – Alpha-tocopherol
A form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant.
E 308 – Gamma-tocopherol
A form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant.
E 309 – Delta-tocopherol
A form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant.
E 310 – Propyl gallate
A synthetic antioxidant used to protect fats and oils.
E 311 – Octyl gallate
A synthetic gallate antioxidant.
E 312 – Dodecyl gallate
A synthetic gallate antioxidant.
E 315 – Erythorbic acid
An antioxidant related to ascorbic acid.
E 316 – Sodium erythorbate
An antioxidant, used notably in meat products.
E 319 – Tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
A synthetic antioxidant for fats and oils.
E 320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
A synthetic antioxidant used under defined limits.
E 321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
A synthetic antioxidant used under defined limits.
E 322 – Lecithins
Emulsifiers of natural origin, often from soya or sunflower.
E 325 – Sodium lactate
An acidity regulator and humectant.
E 326 – Potassium lactate
An acidity regulator.
E 327 – Calcium lactate
An acidity regulator and firming agent.
E 330 – Citric acid
A very widely used acid, acidity regulator, antioxidant synergist and sequestrant.
E 331 – Sodium citrates
Acidity regulators, stabilisers and emulsifying salts.
E 332 – Potassium citrates
Acidity regulators and emulsifying salts.
E 333 – Calcium citrates
Acidity regulators, firming agents and emulsifying salts.
E 334 – Tartaric acid (L(+)-)
An acid found in grapes, used as an acid and acidity regulator.
E 335 – Sodium tartrates
Acidity regulators and stabilisers.
E 336 – Potassium tartrates
Acidity regulators; cream of tartar is used as a raising-agent component.
E 337 – Sodium potassium tartrate
An acidity regulator and stabiliser.
E 338 – Phosphoric acid
An acid and acidity regulator used in cola drinks and other products.
E 339 – Sodium phosphates
Acidity regulators, emulsifying salts and stabilisers.
E 340 – Potassium phosphates
Acidity regulators and emulsifying salts.
E 341 – Calcium phosphates
Acidity regulators, firming agents and anti-caking agents.
E 343 – Magnesium phosphates
Acidity regulators and anti-caking agents.
E 350 – Sodium malates
Acidity regulators, salts of malic acid.
E 351 – Potassium malate
An acidity regulator.
E 352 – Calcium malates
Acidity regulators and firming agents.
E 353 – Metatartaric acid
An acid used mainly in wine to prevent tartrate crystals.
E 354 – Calcium tartrate
An acidity regulator and firming agent.
E 355 – Adipic acid
An acid and acidity regulator, giving a tart taste.
E 356 – Sodium adipate
An acidity regulator.
E 357 – Potassium adipate
An acidity regulator.
E 363 – Succinic acid
An acid and flavouring-related acidity regulator.
E 380 – Triammonium citrate
An acidity regulator and emulsifying salt.
E 385 – Calcium disodium EDTA
A sequestrant that binds metal ions, used in specific products.
E 392 – Extracts of rosemary
A natural antioxidant from rosemary.
E 400 – Alginic acid
A thickener, stabiliser and gelling agent from seaweed.
E 401 – Sodium alginate
A seaweed-derived thickener, stabiliser and gelling agent.
E 402 – Potassium alginate
A seaweed-derived thickener and gelling agent.
E 403 – Ammonium alginate
A seaweed-derived thickener and stabiliser.
E 404 – Calcium alginate
A seaweed-derived gelling agent and stabiliser.
E 405 – Propane-1,2-diol alginate
A modified alginate used as a thickener, emulsifier and foam stabiliser.
E 406 – Agar
A gelling agent from seaweed, forming firm gels.
E 407 – Carrageenan
A seaweed extract used as a thickener, gelling agent and stabiliser.
E 407a – Processed eucheuma seaweed
A seaweed-derived thickener and gelling agent.
E 410 – Locust bean gum
A seed gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 412 – Guar gum
A seed gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 413 – Tragacanth
A plant gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 414 – Gum arabic (acacia gum)
A tree gum used as a thickener, stabiliser and glazing agent.
E 415 – Xanthan gum
A fermentation-derived thickener and stabiliser.
E 416 – Karaya gum
A plant gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 417 – Tara gum
A seed gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 418 – Gellan gum
A fermentation-derived gelling agent producing firm, clear gels.
E 422 – Glycerol
A humectant, carrier and sweetener; also called glycerine.
E 423 – Octenyl succinic acid modified gum arabic
A modified gum used as an emulsifier and stabiliser.
E 425 – Konjac
A plant-derived thickener and gelling agent.
E 426 – Soybean hemicellulose
A plant-derived thickener, stabiliser and emulsifier.
E 427 – Cassia gum
A seed gum used as a thickener and gelling agent.
E 431 – Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate
An emulsifier used in specific products.
E 432 – Polysorbate 20
An emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate).
E 433 – Polysorbate 80
An emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).
E 434 – Polysorbate 40
An emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate).
E 435 – Polysorbate 60
An emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate).
E 436 – Polysorbate 65
An emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate).
E 440 – Pectins
Gelling agents from fruit, classic for jams and jellies.
E 442 – Ammonium phosphatides
An emulsifier used mainly in chocolate.
E 444 – Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
An emulsifier and stabiliser used in some drinks.
E 445 – Glycerol esters of wood rosins
An emulsifier and stabiliser used in some drinks.
E 450 – Diphosphates
Acidity regulators, raising agents, emulsifying salts and stabilisers.
E 451 – Triphosphates
Emulsifying salts and stabilisers, notably in processed foods.
E 452 – Polyphosphates
Emulsifying salts and stabilisers.
E 459 – Beta-cyclodextrin
A carrier and stabiliser that can encapsulate other substances.
E 460 – Cellulose
A plant fibre used as a bulking agent, thickener and anti-caking agent.
E 461 – Methyl cellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 462 – Ethyl cellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a binder and filler.
E 463 – Hydroxypropyl cellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 464 – Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickener, stabiliser and gelling agent.
E 465 – Ethyl methyl cellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 466 – Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
A cellulose gum used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 468 – Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
A cellulose gum used as a stabiliser and bulking agent.
E 469 – Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose
A cellulose gum used as a stabiliser and thickener.
E 470a – Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids
Emulsifiers and anti-caking agents.
E 470b – Magnesium salts of fatty acids
Emulsifiers and anti-caking agents.
E 471 – Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
Very widely used emulsifiers derived from fats.
E 472a – Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers based on mono- and diglycerides.
E 472b – Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers based on mono- and diglycerides.
E 472c – Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers and antioxidant synergists.
E 472d – Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers based on mono- and diglycerides.
E 472e – Mono- and diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers (DATEM) widely used in bakery.
E 472f – Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Emulsifiers used in bakery products.
E 473 – Sucrose esters of fatty acids
Emulsifiers based on sucrose and fatty acids.
E 474 – Sucroglycerides
Emulsifiers related to sucrose esters.
E 475 – Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids
Emulsifiers used in bakery and other foods.
E 476 – Polyglycerol polyricinoleate
An emulsifier used mainly in chocolate to control flow.
E 477 – Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids
Emulsifiers used in various foods.
E 479b – Thermally oxidised soya bean oil with mono- and diglycerides
An emulsifier used in specific frying applications.
E 481 – Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
An emulsifier and dough conditioner.
E 482 – Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
An emulsifier and dough conditioner.
E 483 – Stearyl tartrate
A flour treatment agent and emulsifier.
E 491 – Sorbitan monostearate
An emulsifier (sorbitan ester).
E 492 – Sorbitan tristearate
An emulsifier (sorbitan ester).
E 493 – Sorbitan monolaurate
An emulsifier (sorbitan ester).
E 494 – Sorbitan monooleate
An emulsifier (sorbitan ester).
E 495 – Sorbitan monopalmitate
An emulsifier (sorbitan ester).
E 499 – Stigmasterol-rich plant sterols
Used as a stabiliser in specific applications.
E 500 – Sodium carbonates
Acidity regulators and raising agents, including bicarbonate of soda.
E 501 – Potassium carbonates
Acidity regulators and raising agents.
E 503 – Ammonium carbonates
Raising agents and acidity regulators.
E 504 – Magnesium carbonates
Acidity regulators and anti-caking agents.
E 507 – Hydrochloric acid
An acid used as an acidity regulator.
E 508 – Potassium chloride
A salt used as a gelling agent and salt substitute.
E 509 – Calcium chloride
A firming agent and stabiliser.
E 511 – Magnesium chloride
A firming agent.
E 512 – Stannous chloride
An antioxidant used in specific canned products.
E 513 – Sulphuric acid
An acid used as an acidity regulator.
E 514 – Sodium sulphates
Acidity regulators.
E 515 – Potassium sulphates
Acidity regulators.
E 516 – Calcium sulphate
A firming agent, flour treatment aid and stabiliser.
E 517 – Ammonium sulphate
A stabiliser and flour treatment agent.
E 520 – Aluminium sulphate
A firming agent with specific, restricted uses.
E 521 – Aluminium sodium sulphate
A firming agent with specific uses.
E 522 – Aluminium potassium sulphate
A firming agent and stabiliser with specific uses.
E 523 – Aluminium ammonium sulphate
A firming agent and stabiliser with specific uses.
E 524 – Sodium hydroxide
An acidity regulator (alkali).
E 525 – Potassium hydroxide
An acidity regulator (alkali).
E 526 – Calcium hydroxide
An acidity regulator and firming agent.
E 527 – Ammonium hydroxide
An acidity regulator.
E 528 – Magnesium hydroxide
An acidity regulator.
E 529 – Calcium oxide
An acidity regulator and flour treatment agent.
E 530 – Magnesium oxide
An anti-caking agent and acidity regulator.
E 534 – Iron tartrate
An anti-caking agent used in salt.
E 535 – Sodium ferrocyanide
An anti-caking agent used in salt.
E 536 – Potassium ferrocyanide
An anti-caking agent used in salt.
E 538 – Calcium ferrocyanide
An anti-caking agent used in salt.
E 541 – Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic
A raising agent with specific, restricted uses.
E 551 – Silicon dioxide
An anti-caking agent and carrier.
E 552 – Calcium silicate
An anti-caking agent.
E 553a – Magnesium silicate
An anti-caking agent.
E 553b – Talc
An anti-caking agent and surface treatment.
E 554 – Sodium aluminium silicate
An anti-caking agent with attention to aluminium intake.
E 555 – Potassium aluminium silicate
An anti-caking agent and carrier.
E 556 – Calcium aluminium silicate
An anti-caking agent (historic authorisation).
E 558 – Bentonite
A mineral clay used as an anti-caking agent and carrier (historic authorisation).
E 559 – Aluminium silicate (kaolin)
An anti-caking agent and carrier (historic authorisation).
E 570 – Fatty acids
Anti-caking agents, emulsifiers and glazing agents.
E 574 – Gluconic acid
An acid and acidity regulator.
E 575 – Glucono-delta-lactone
An acidity regulator and raising-agent component.
E 576 – Sodium gluconate
A sequestrant and acidity regulator.
E 577 – Potassium gluconate
A sequestrant and acidity regulator.
E 578 – Calcium gluconate
An acidity regulator and firming agent.
E 579 – Ferrous gluconate
Used to stabilise the colour of olives (iron source).
E 585 – Ferrous lactate
Used to stabilise the colour of olives (iron source).
E 586 – 4-hexylresorcinol
An antioxidant used to prevent browning of crustaceans.
E 620 – Glutamic acid
A flavour enhancer, the basis of the umami taste.
E 621 – Monosodium glutamate
The best-known flavour enhancer (MSG).
E 622 – Monopotassium glutamate
A glutamate flavour enhancer.
E 623 – Calcium diglutamate
A glutamate flavour enhancer.
E 624 – Monoammonium glutamate
A glutamate flavour enhancer.
E 625 – Magnesium diglutamate
A glutamate flavour enhancer.
E 626 – Guanylic acid
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 627 – Disodium guanylate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer, often paired with MSG.
E 628 – Dipotassium guanylate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 629 – Calcium guanylate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 630 – Inosinic acid
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 631 – Disodium inosinate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer, often paired with MSG.
E 632 – Dipotassium inosinate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 633 – Calcium inosinate
A ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 634 – Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides
A combined ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 635 – Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides
A combined ribonucleotide flavour enhancer.
E 640 – Glycine and its sodium salt
Used as a flavour enhancer.
E 641 – L-leucine
An amino acid used in specific applications.
E 650 – Zinc acetate
A flavour enhancer used in chewing gum.
E 900 – Dimethylpolysiloxane
An anti-foaming agent (silicone-based) and anti-caking agent.
E 901 – Beeswax, white and yellow
A natural glazing agent.
E 902 – Candelilla wax
A plant-derived glazing agent.
E 903 – Carnauba wax
A plant-derived glazing agent, giving a hard shine.
E 904 – Shellac
A resin-based glazing agent of insect origin.
E 905 – Microcrystalline wax
A glazing and coating agent.
E 907 – Hydrogenated poly-1-decene
A glazing agent used on confectionery.
E 914 – Oxidised polyethylene wax
A glazing agent for surface coating.
E 920 – L-cysteine
A flour treatment agent that conditions dough.
E 927b – Carbamide
A flour treatment agent used in specific products (chewing gum).
E 938 – Argon
A packaging gas and propellant.
E 939 – Helium
A packaging gas and propellant.
E 941 – Nitrogen
A common packaging gas and propellant that displaces oxygen.
E 942 – Nitrous oxide
A propellant, notably for whipped cream, which it also aerates.
E 943a – Butane
A propellant used in specific spray applications.
E 943b – Isobutane
A propellant used in specific spray applications.
E 944 – Propane
A propellant used in specific spray applications.
E 948 – Oxygen
A packaging gas and propellant.
E 949 – Hydrogen
A packaging gas.
E 999 – Quillaia extract
A foaming agent obtained from the soapbark tree.
E 1103 – Invertase
An enzyme used to keep confectionery centres soft.
E 1105 – Lysozyme
A preservative from egg white, used in some cheeses.
E 1200 – Polydextrose
A bulking agent, humectant, carrier and stabiliser.
E 1201 – Polyvinylpyrrolidone
A stabiliser and carrier used in food supplements.
E 1202 – Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone
A carrier and stabiliser used as a clarifying aid.
E 1203 – Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
A glazing/coating agent used for food supplements.
E 1204 – Pullulan
A film-forming agent used for capsules and coatings.
E 1205 – Basic methacrylate copolymer
A glazing agent for food supplements.
E 1206 – Neutral methacrylate copolymer
A glazing agent for food supplements.
E 1207 – Anionic methacrylate copolymer
A glazing agent for food supplements.
E 1208 – Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer
A glazing agent for food supplements.
E 1209 – Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
A glazing agent for food supplements.
E 1404 – Oxidised starch
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1410 – Monostarch phosphate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1412 – Distarch phosphate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1413 – Phosphated distarch phosphate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1414 – Acetylated distarch phosphate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1420 – Acetylated starch
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1422 – Acetylated distarch adipate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1440 – Hydroxypropyl starch
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1442 – Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1450 – Starch sodium octenyl succinate
A modified starch used as a thickener, stabiliser and emulsifier.
E 1451 – Acetylated oxidised starch
A modified starch used as a thickener and stabiliser.
E 1452 – Starch aluminium octenyl succinate
A modified starch used in encapsulation of additives.
E 1505 – Triethyl citrate
A carrier and stabiliser.
E 1517 – Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin)
A carrier and solvent.
E 1518 – Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)
A carrier, humectant and solvent.
E 1519 – Benzyl alcohol
A carrier and solvent for flavourings and colours.
E 1520 – Propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol)
A carrier, humectant and solvent.
E 1521 – Polyethylene glycol
A carrier, anti-foaming agent and glazing agent.
A note on the entries – InfoCons Consumer Protection
Each entry above gives the E number, the name and the principal function or nature of the additive. Where an additive carries specific consumer-relevant conditions – such as the colours subject to the children's attention warning, the colours that may not be sold directly to consumers, or the sulphites that must be declared as allergens – this has been noted. Several substances appear under more than one function because they are genuinely multifunctional, and the exact role in any given product is shown by the functional class named on that product's label.
This entry-by-entry format is designed so that, whenever you meet an unfamiliar E number on a package, you can look it up and immediately understand what it is and why it is there. InfoCons – Consumer Protection believes that this kind of clear, accessible information is the foundation of genuine consumer empowerment – and that the natural next step is to consider not just each additive in isolation, but the full, cumulative list of additives in your basket and on your plate.
The InfoCons Additives Calculator: how many additives are really in your basket? – InfoCons Consumer Protection
A list like this becomes truly powerful when you use it to see the bigger picture. A single processed product can contain several additives at once, and an ordinary weekly shop can add up to dozens or even hundreds of additive occurrences once every product is counted together. The same additive can also appear in many different products in the same basket, meaning it enters your diet again and again.
To make this visible, InfoCons – Consumer Protection offers the Only Additives Calculator for the food products bought or consumed. It is the only calculator for food shopping that shows the number of additives present and how many times a given additive is found in the shopping basket, so you see the real, cumulative total rather than each product in isolation. The same logic applies to a single meal: breakfast, lunch or dinner can bring together several processed products, and their additives add up, so that one seemingly simple meal can mean consuming a surprisingly large number of additives at once.
As a practical solution, the InfoCons application lets you identify additives instantly by scanning the barcode of an agri-food product. The app recognises the product and shows the food additives it contains, turning the E numbers on the label into clear information and letting you see how many additives are cumulated in your basket or even in a single meal – so you can make informed choices for yourself and your family, right in front of the shelf.
Signed:
InfoCons Consumer Protection Department of Studies and Comparative Testing