E-numbers used in europe to list ingredients
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| 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. |
| 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. |