What are food additive E numbers?
Foods sold in the European Union (EU) have had full ingredient labelling since the mid-1980s. These include standard codes (E numbers) that accurately describe additives used in the production of food. These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.
Many of these additives were once of natural origin. However, most are now prepared/produced synthetically as these are often less expensive than the natural product.
The more commonly used additives are included in Table 1 below, which lists the E-number, the proper name of the additive, a short description of the additive and its common use. As new uses are often found for these additives, the tables are neither inclusive nor exhaustive.
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.
Numbers without an E prefix that are under consideration for becoming E numbers and commonly used additives have not yet been given numbers and are included in Table 2.
The tables are neither complete nor inclusive and may under go change as additives are re-classified.
- E100s are generally colours.
- E200 to E282 are mainly preservatives and acids.
- E300 to E341 are mainly antioxidants and acid regulators.
- E400s include emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, anti-caking agents, release agents and bulking agents.
Table 1: E numbers
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 | 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 | 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 | Natural red colour obtained from egg yolk and dried insects. Can be manufactured | Red colour in foods |
E122 | Carmoisine | A synthetic coal tar dye, red/purple in colour | Often added to raspberry and chocolate flavoured deserts, 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 | A synthetic coal tar dye, red in colour | Often used to restore red colour to tinned strawberries. Also added to strawberry jam, jelly and ice cream, tomato soup, savoury rice, cheesecake mix and some meat products |
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. | Pork pies, sausages and other meat products. |
E129 | Allura Red AC | Colouring agent | |
E131 | Patent Blue V | Colouring agent | |
E132 | Indigo Carmine | A synthetic coal tar dye, blue in colour. | Added to gravy mix and certain meat products. |
E133 | Brilliant Blue | A synthetic coal tar dye, blue in colour. Often mixed with E102 to make green. | Bacon flavour snacks. |
E140 | Chlorophyll | Naturally occurring green pigment found in leaves and stems of plants. Also manufactured. | Added to green vegetables to enhance their colour. |
E141 | Copper complex of Chlorophyll | 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. |
E150 | Caramel | Commonly used brown colour and flavouring agent made from the caramelisation or burning of sugar by heat or chemicals. | Used in soft drinks, gravy mix, brown bread, cakes, biscuits, malt vinegar, marmalade and beef products. |
E150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | Colouring agent | |
E150c | Ammonia caramel | Colouring agent | |
E150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | Colouring agent | |
E151 | Black PN | A synthetic coal tar dye, black in colour. | Used to darken fruits sauces. |
E153 | Carbon Black/Vegetable Carbon | Natural black colour obtained from burnt plant material, now often manufactured. | Added to concentrated fruit juices, preserves and jellies. |
E154 | Brown FK | A synthetic coal tar dye, brown in colour. | Added to smoked fish. |
E155 | Chocolate Brown HT | A synthetic coal tar dye, brown in colour. | Various foods. |
E160 a - f | 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, 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 | |
E160d | Lycopene | Colouring agent | |
E160e | Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C30) | Colouring agent | |
E160f | Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid (C30) | Colouring agent | |
E161 a: g | Xanthrophylls | Carotenoid pigments providing natural yellow to red colours. | No typical products. |
E161b | Lutein | Colouring agent | |
E161g | Canthaxanthin | Colouring agent | |
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. |
E170 | Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) | Naturally occurring mineral. It has various functions including acid regulator, firming agent, releasing agent and nutrient. | It is added to white flour as a calcium supplement to replace the loss due to refining. Frequently an ingredient in bread and baked products. |
E170 | Calcium carbonates | ||
E171 | Titanium dioxide | Colouring agent | |
E172 | Iron oxide | Naturally occurring mineral. Added to fortify food. | Added to flour and breakfast cereals. |
E173 | Aluminium | Colouring agent | |
E174 | Silver | Colouring agent | |
E175 | Gold | Colouring agent | |
E180 | Litholrubine BK | Colouring agent | |
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. |
E201 | Sodium Sorbate | Salt of Sorbic Acid. | As for Sorbic Acid. |
E202 | Potassium Sorbate | Salt of Sorbic Acid. | Used to preserve glace cherries. |
E203 | Calcium Sorbate | Salt of Sorbic Acid. | As for Sorbic Acid. |
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 anti-oxidant 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. |
E213 | Calcium Benzoate | Salt of Benzoic Acid. | As per Benzoic Acid. |
E214 | Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
E214-219 | Hydroxy Benzoate salts | Salts of Benzoic Acid. | As per Benzoic Acid. |
E215 | Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
E216 | Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
E217 | Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
E218 | Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
E219 | Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Preservative | |
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 | |
E222 | Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite/Bisulphite | 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 | |
E226 | Calcium sulphite | Preservative | |
E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulphite | Preservative | |
E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulphite | Preservative | |
E230 | Biphenyl; diphenyl | Preservative | |
E231 | Orthophenyl phenol | Preservative | |
E232 | Sodium orthophenyl phenol | Preservative | |
E234 | Nisin | Preservative | |
E235 | Natamycin | Preservative | |
E239 | Hexamethylene tetramine | Preservative | |
E242 | Dimethyl dicarbonate | Preservative | |
E249 | Potassium Nitrite | Naturally occurring mineral used as a preservative and as a colour fixative. | Used in cooked meats, sausages and in 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. |
E250 | Sodium nitrite | Preservative | |
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 waste animal and vegetable material. This additive is one of the oldest and most effective preservatives for meat. Also acts as a curing agent. | Found in cured and cooked meats, and sausages. |
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. |
E260 | Acetic acid | ||
E261 | Potassium acetate | ||
E262 | Sodium acetate | ||
E263 | Calcium acetate | ||
E270 | Lactic Acid | Produced by the fermentation of lactose, which is the sugar present in milk. It occurs naturally in soured milk and yogurt and acts as a preservative, acid, flavour and assists the action of anti-oxidants. | Widely used in salad dressings, cakes, biscuits, confectionery and certain types of prepared meat dishes. |
E270 | Lactic acid | ||
E280 | Propionic Acid | Fatty acid produced by animals in the process of digestion, but generally manufactures synthetically. Functions as a preservative. | Added to baked goods. |
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 | |
E285 | Sodium tetraborate; borax | Preservative | |
E290 | Carbon Dioxide | Gas present in air, but produced synthetically for food. Adds the fizz to fizzy drinks (carbonation), but is also used as a coolant, freezant, propellant, preservative and packaging gas. | Carbonated drinks. |
E290 | Carbon dioxide | ||
E296 | Malic acid | ||
E297 | Fumaric Acid | Prepared synthetically as an acid flavour. | Baked products. |
E300 | L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) | Occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables but is synthesised biologically. It 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, etc. |
E301 | Sodium L-Ascorbate | Salt of ascorbic acid. | Added to cured meats. |
E302 | Calcium L-Ascorbate | Salt of ascorbic acid. | Similar function to Ascorbic Acid. |
E304 | Ascorbyl Palmitate | 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 | Synthetic Alpha Tocopherol | Synthetic products of Tocopherol with similar functions. | Added to fats, oils and sausages. |
E308 | Synthetic Gamma Tocopherol | Synthetic products of Tocopherol with similar functions. | Added to fats, oils and sausages. |
E309 | Synthetic Delta Tocopherol | Synthetic products of Tocopherol with similar functions. | Added to fats, oils and sausages. |
E310 | Propyl Gallate | Synthetically prepared antioxidant. | Added to fats and oils. Will be found in fried foods. May give rise to a bitter taste. |
E311 | Octyl Gallate | Synthetic product similar to Propyl Gallate with similar function. | Added to fats and oils. |
E312 | Dodecyl Gallate | Synthetic product similar to Propyl Gallate with similar function. | Added to fats and oils. |
E315 | Erythorbic acid | Antioxidants | |
E316 | Sodium erythorbate | Antioxidants | |
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. |
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. |
E325 | Sodium lactate | Salt of lactic acid (E270) used as a humectant | Added to confectionery. |
E326 | Potassium Lactate | Salt of lactic acid (E270) used as an acid regulator. | Acid regulator. |
E327 | Calcium Lactate | Salt of lactic acid (E270) used as an acid regulator and firming agent | Frequently incorporated into baking powder. |
E330 | Citric Acid | Occurs naturally in citrus fruit but may also be prepared from the fermentation of molasses. Used as an antioxidant, preservative, acid regulator and flour improver. | Typically added to pickles, bottled sauces, dairy and baked products. |
E331 | Sodium Citrate | Salt of Citric Acid with similar functions. | As for E330. |
E332 | Potassium Citrate | Salt of Citric Acid with similar functions. | As for E330. |
E333 | Calcium Citrate | Salt of Citric Acid, which acts as an acid regulator, emulsifier and firming agent. | Found in carbonated drinks, wine, confectionery and cheese products. |
E334 | Tartaric Acid | Natural product of wine making used as an acid regulator. | Added to baking powder. |
E335 | Sodium L-Tartrate | Salt of Tartaric Acid with similar function. | As for E334. |
E336 | Potassium L-Tartrate (Cream of Tartar) | Salt of Tartaric Acid with similar function. | As for E334. |
E337 | Sodium potassium tartrate | ||
E338 | Phosphoric acid | ||
E339 | Sodium phosphates | ||
E340 | Potassium phosphates | ||
E341 | Calcium Orthophosphates (Pyrophosphates) | Synthetic products of a naturally occurring mineral. Used as an anti-caking agent, acid regulator, emulsifier, flour improver, nutrient and an aid to antioxidants. | Found in potato snacks, pastry mix and baking powder. |
E341 | Calcium Phosphate | Rising agent. | Baked products. |
E343 | Magnesium phosphates | ||
E350 | Sodium malates | ||
E351 | Potassium malate | ||
E352 | Calcium malates | ||
E353 | Metatartaric acid | ||
E354 | Calcium tartrate | ||
E355 | Adipic acid | ||
E356 | Sodium adipate | ||
E357 | Potassium adipate | ||
E363 | Succinic acid | ||
E380 | Triammonium citrate | ||
E385 | Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate; calcium disodium EDTA | ||
E400 | Alginic Acid | Emulsifier, stabiliser and gelling agent or thickener extracted from brown seaweed. | Frequently added to ice cream, instant desserts and puddings. |
E401 | Sodium Alginate | Salt of Alginic Acid with similar functions. | As for E400. |
E402 | Potassium alginate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E403 | Ammonium alginate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E404 | Calcium alginate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E405 | Propane-1,2-diol alginate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E406 | Agar | Naturally occurring gum extracted from seaweeds. It is 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. |
E407a | Processed eucheuma seaweed | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E410 | Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Seed 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. | As E412 and in confectionery. |
E414 | Acacia (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 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E417 | Tara gum | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E418 | Gellan gum | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E420 | Sorbitol | Sugar alcohol produced from glucose. Is 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 drink. |
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. |
E422 | Glycerol | Naturally occurring in many plant cells but generally prepared commercially from fats and oils. Used as a humectant. | In confectionery and cake icing. |
E422 | Glycerine | Colourless sweet liquid obtained from fatty acids, flavour and bulking agent. | Cake icing. |
E425 | Konjac | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E431 | Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate | ||
E432 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; Polysorbate 20 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E433 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate; Polysorbate 80 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E434 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate; Polysorbate 40 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E435 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate; Polysorbate 60 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E436 | Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate; Polysorbate 65 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E440 (a) | Pectin | Occurs naturally in fruits, roots and stems of plants. | Used as a stabiliser and jelling agent. Added to preserves, jellies and mint sauce. |
E440 (b) | Amidated Pectin | Chemically treated Pectin used as an emulsifier and jelling agent. | Preserves and jellies. |
E442 | Ammonium phosphatides | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E444 | Sucrose acetate isobutyrate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E445 | Glycerol esters of wood rosins | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E450 (a-c) | Sodium and Potassium Phosphate salts | Synthetically prepared emulsifiers, stabilisers and humectants. | Added to meat products, bread, sausages and cheese products such as cheese spread. |
E451 | Triphosphates | ||
E452 | Polyphosphates | ||
E459 | Beta-cyclodextrin | ||
E460 | Cellulose | Fibrous part of plant cell walls used as a bulking agent. | Used in high fibre bread and low calorie products. |
E461 | Methylcellulose | Derived from Cellulose with similar properties. | Used in slimming foods. |
E463 | Hydroxypropyl cellulose | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E464 | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E465 | Ethylmethylcellulose | Derived from Cellulose with similar properties. | Added to fruitcake and bottled sauces. |
E466 | Carboxymethylcellulose | Derived from Cellulose with similar properties. | Used in ice cream, cream products and cheesecake mix. |
E467 | Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E468 | Crosslinked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E469 | Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxy methyl cellulose | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E470 | Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids | Synthetically manufactured emulsifiers, stabilisers and anti-caking agents. | Crisps and potato snacks. |
E471 | Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acid | Normal products of fat digestion but are prepared synthetically. | Frequently added to powdered milk, packet soup, cake, crisps, and potato snacks, bread and baked products and margarine. |
E471 (a-e) | Acid reactions with E471: (a) Acetic (b) Lactic (c) Citric (d) Tartaric (e) Diacetyl Tartaric |
Functions include emulsifier, stabiliser, thickener, humectant and releasing agent. | Found in cheesecake mix, soups, bread and baked products. |
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 Ester 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 | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E481 | Sodium Stearoyl-2-lactylate | Prepared synthetically from Lactic Acid, used as a stabiliser and emulsifier. | Potato snacks. |
E482 | Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E483 | Stearyl tartrate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E491 | Sorbitan monostearate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E492 | Sorbitan tristearate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E493 | Sorbitan monolaurate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E494 | Sorbitan monooleate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E495 | Sorbitan monopalmitate | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E500 | Sodium Bicarbonate/ Hydrogen Carbonate (Bicarb of Soda) | Prepared synthetically for use as an acid regulator, firming agent, release agent, raising agent and diluent. | Malted drinks, tinned custard, cheesy potato snacks, bread and bread products. |
E501 | Potassium carbonates | ||
E503 | Ammonium carbonates | ||
E504 | Magnesium Carbonate | Naturally occurring mineral used as an anti-caking agent. | Table salt and icing sugar. |
E507 | Hydrochloric acid | ||
E508 | Potassium Chloride | Natural occurring chemical often associated with rock salt. Used as an emulsifier, stabiliser, salt substitute and dietary supplement. | Found in low sodium or salt products. |
E509 | Calcium Chloride | Product of natural salt brine, but more often prepared chemically. Used as a firming agent and to prevent texture deterioration. | Red kidney beans. |
E511 | Magnesium chloride | ||
E512 | Stannous chloride | ||
E513 | Sulphuric acid | ||
E514 | Sodium sulphates | ||
E515 | Potassium sulphates | ||
E516 | Calcium sulphate | ||
E517 | Ammonium sulphate | ||
E520 | Aluminium sulphate | ||
E521 | Aluminium sodium sulphate | ||
E522 | Aluminium potassium sulphate | ||
E523 | Aluminium ammonium sulphate | ||
E524 | Sodium hydroxide | ||
E525 | Potassium hydroxide | ||
E526 | Calcium hydroxide | ||
E527 | Ammonium hydroxide | ||
E528 | Magnesium hydroxide | ||
E529 | Calcium oxide | ||
E530 | Magnesium oxide | ||
E535 | Sodium ferrocyanide | ||
E536 | Potassium ferrocyanide | ||
E538 | Calcium ferrocyanide | ||
E541 | Sodium Aluminium Phosphate | Synthetically prepared raising agent. | Self-raising flower. |
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 as a coating agent. | Found in chewing gum, meat pies, salt and confectionery. |
E553 | Sodium Silico Aluminate/ magnesium silicate | Salt of Silicon Dioxide with similar functions. | Often found in packet noodles. |
E554 | Sodium aluminium silicate | ||
E555 | Potassium aluminium silicate | ||
E556 | Aluminium calcium silicate | ||
E558 | Bentonite | ||
E559 | Aluminium silicate; Kaolin | ||
E570 | Fatty acids | ||
E574 | Gluconic acid | ||
E575 | Glucono delta-lactone | ||
E576 | Sodium gluconate | ||
E577 | Potassium gluconate | ||
E578 | Calcium gluconate | ||
E579 | Ferrous gluconate | ||
E585 | Ferrous lactate | ||
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), dries products, crisps and potato snacks. |
E622 | Monopotassium Glutamate | Similar to Monosodium Glutamate. | Similar to 621. |
E623 | Calcium Glutamate | Similar to Monosodium Glutamate. | Similar to 621. |
E624 | Monoammonium glutamate | ||
E625 | Magnesium diglutamate | ||
E626 | Guanylic acid | ||
E627 | Sodium 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 | ||
E629 | Calcium guanylate | ||
E630 | lnosinic acid | ||
E631 | Sodium Inosinate | Made from sardines and meat extract. | Similar to 627. |
E632 | Dipotassium inosinate | ||
E633 | Calcium inosinate | ||
E634 | Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides | ||
E635 | Sodium-5-Ribonucleotide | Mixture of 627 and 631. | Added to crisps and potato snacks and packet soups. |
E640 | Glycine and its sodium salt | ||
E650 | Zinc acetate | ||
E900 | Dimethylpolysiloxane | ||
E901 | Beeswax, white and yellow | ||
E902 | Candelilla wax | ||
E903 | Carnauba wax | ||
E904 | Shellac | ||
E905 | Microcrystalline wax | ||
E912 | Montan acid esters | ||
E914 | Oxidised Polyethylene wax | ||
E920 | L-Cysteine | ||
E927 | Azodicarbonamide | Chemically manufactured flour improver. | Common ingredient in flour, bread and baked products. |
E927b | Carbamide | ||
E938 | Argon | ||
E939 | Helium | ||
E941 | Nitrogen | ||
E942 | Nitrous oxide | ||
E943a | Butane | ||
E943b | Iso-butane | ||
E944 | Propane | ||
E948 | Oxygen | ||
E949 | Hydrogen | ||
E950 | Acesulfame K | Sweeteners | |
E951 | Aspartame | New artificial sweetener of protein origin. Contains phenylalanine. | Artificial sweeteners, confectionery, ice cream, low calorie desserts and soft drinks. |
E951 | Aspartame | Sweeteners | |
E952 | Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts | Sweeteners | |
E953 | lsomalt | Sweeteners | |
E954 | Saccharin | Calorie-free artificial sweetener. | Low calorie products, soft drinks and confectionery. |
E957 | Thaumatin | Sweeteners | |
E959 | Neohesperidine DC | Sweeteners | |
E965 | Glucose (hydrogenated) or Maltitol | Natural occurring sugar in grapes, corn, etc. | Confectionery, cakes, biscuits, puddings, desserts, soft drinks, convenience foods. |
E966 | Lactitol | Sweeteners | |
E967 | Xylitol | Sweeteners | |
E999 | Quillaia extract | ||
E1103 | Invertase | Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents | |
E1105 | Lysozyme | Preservative | |
E1200 | Polydextrose | ||
E1200 | Polydextrose | Natural occurring sugar in grapes, corn, etc. | Confectionery, cakes, biscuits, puddings, desserts, soft drinks, convenience foods. |
E1201 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone | ||
E1202 | Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone | ||
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, baked products. |
E1404 | Oxidised starch | ||
E1410 | Monostarch phosphate | ||
E1412 | Distarch phosphate | ||
E1413 | Phosphated distarch phosphate | ||
E1414 | Acetylated starch | ||
E1420 | Acetylated Starch | ||
E1422 | Acetylated distarch adipate | ||
E1440 | Hydroxyl propyl starch | ||
E1442 | Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate | ||
E1450 | Starch sodium octenyl succinate | ||
E1451 | Acetylated oxidised starch | ||
E1505 | Triethyl citrate | ||
E1518 | Glyceryl triacetate; triacetin | ||
E1520 | Propylene Glycol | Synthetic carrier for extracts, flavours and spices. Functions as a stabiliser and humectant. | Miscellaneous foods. |
Table 2: Numbers with no E prefix
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 the newer energy drinks. |
Calciferol | Vitamin D. Generally extracted from yeast. | Used to fortify margarine. |
Calcium Bromate | Maturing agent and flour improver. | Used in bread. |
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. |
Dipotassium Phosphate | Acid regulator. | Non-dairy powdered creams. |
Disodium Phosphate | Emulsifier. | Macaroni products, cheese. |
Edible Bone phosphate | Mineral supplement and anti-caking agent extracted from animal bones. | Miscellaneous foods. |
Extenders | Frequently a soya bean product, used to make meat go further. | Meat products. |
Fructose | Naturally occurring 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 jelling agent. | Jellies, glazes, certain dessert products. |
Hydrolysed vegetable protein | Produced chemically from raw protein. Flavour enhancer. | Soups, gravy and meat products. |
Invert Sugar | Syrup of 50% glucose and 50% fructose. Humectant and sweetener. | Confectionery and sweet products. |
Iodine | Found in seafood. | Added to salt. |
Lactose | Sugar present naturally in milk. Used as a humectant and sweetener. | Infant formula. |
Niacin/Nicotinic Acid | Natural occurring B group vitamin. Added to fortify food. | Breakfast cereals. |
Polysorbate 60 | Prepared from sorbitol (E420) and used as a stabiliser and emulsifier. | Bread and baked products. |
Potassium Bromate | Oxidising agent, improver and bleaching agent manufactured synthetically. | Added to flour. |
Sodium Chloride/Salt | Natural occurring mineral. Acts as preservative and flavour enhancer. | Miscellaneous foods. |
Sucrose | From cane or beet sugar. Available as molasses, granulated caster, icing and demerara sugar. Preservative and sweetener. | Miscellaneous foods. |
Thiamine | Naturally occurring vitamin B1, generally manufactured. Added to fortify food. | Breakfast cereal. |
Vanillin | Naturally occurring flavouring, generally manufactured synthetically. | Baked products. |
Yellow 2G | A synthetic coal tar dye, yellow in colour. | Found in soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, puddings, meat products, sauces, tinned and packet convenience foods and confectionery. |