E - NUMBERS

Confused by the list of E-Number additives on ( uk )food labels?

Here is a list of what they are and what they do. Additives without the E-Prefix


E-Number
Name
Category
Side Effects
E100
Curcumin
Colour - Yellow and Orange
 
E101
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Colour - Yellow and Orange
 
E102
Tartrazine
Colour - Yellow and Orange
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E104
Quinoline Yellow
Colour - Yellow and Orange
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
E110
Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S
Colour - Yellow and Orange
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E120
Cochineal / Carminic Acid
Colour - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
E122
Carmoisine / Azorubine
Colour - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E123
Amaranth
Colour - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E124
Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A
Colour - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E127
Erythrosine BS
Colour - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
E129
Allura Red AC
Colour - Red
Avoid if you suffer from Asthma, Rhinitis (including Hayfever), or allergic skin conditions.
E131
Patent Blue V
Colour - Blue
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E132
Indigo Carmine / Idigotine
Colour - Blue
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E140
Chlorophyll
Colour - Green
 
E141
Copper Complex of Chlorophyll
Colour - Green
 
E142
Green S / Acid Brilliant Green BS
Colour - Green
 
E150
Caramel
Colour - Brown and Black
 
E151
Black PN / Brilliant Black BN
Colour - Brown and Black
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
E153
Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)
Colour - Brown and Black
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E160a
Alpha, Beta, Gamma Carotene
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E160b
Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E160c
Capsanthin / Capsorbin
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E160d
Lycopene
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E160e
Beta-apo-8-carotenal
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E160f
Ethyl ester of Beta-apo-8-cartonoic acid
Colour - Carotene derivative
 
E161a
Flavoxanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E161b
Lutein
Colour - Plant
 
E161c
Cryptoxanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E161d
Rubixanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E161e
Violaxanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E161f
Rhodoxanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E161g
Canthaxanthin
Colour - Plant
 
E162
Beetroot Red / Betanin
Colour - Plant
 
E163
Anthocyanins
Colour - Plant
 
E170
Calcium Carbonate (Chalk)
Colour - Inorganic
 
E171
Titanium Dioxide
Colour - Inorganic
 
E172
Iron Oxides and Hydroxides
Colour - Inorganic
 
E173
Aluminium
Colour - Inorganic
 
E174
Silver
Colour - Inorganic
 
E175
Gold
Colour - Inorganic
 
E180
Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK
Colour - Inorganic
 
E200
Sorbic Acid
Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts
 
E201
Soduim Sorbate
Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts
 
E202
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts
 
E203
Calcium Sorbate
Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts
 
E210
Benzoic Acid
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E211
Sodium Benzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E212
Potassium Benzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E213
Calcium Benzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E214
Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E215
Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E216
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E217
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E218
Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E219
Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt
Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E220
Sulphur Dioxide
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E221
Sodium Sulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E222
Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E223
Sodium Metabisulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E224
Potassium Metabisulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E226
Calcium Sulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E227
Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite
Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts
 
E230
Biphenyl / Diphenyl
Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives
 
E231
2-Hydroxybiphenyl
Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives
 
E232
Sodium Biphenyl-2-yl Oxide
Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives
 
E233
2-(Thiazol-4-yl) Benzimidazole
Preservative - other
 
E239
Hexamine
Preservative - other
 
E249
Potassium Nitrate
Preservative - Pickling Salts
 
E250
Sodium Nitrite
Preservative - Pickling Salts
 
E251
Sodium Nitrate
Preservative - Pickling Salts
 
E252
Potassium Nitrate(Saltpetre)
Preservative - Pickling Salts
 
E260
Acetic Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E261
Potassium Acetate
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E262
Potassium Hydrogen Diacetate
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E263
Calcium Acetate
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E270
Lactic Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E280
Propionic Acid
Preservative - Acids and their Salts
 
E281
Sodium Propionate
Preservative- Acids and their Salts
 
E282
Calcium Propionate
Preservative- Acids and their Salts
 
E283
Potassuim Propionate
Preservative- Acids and their Salts
 
E290
Carbon Dioxide
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
E300
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives
 
E301
Sodium-L-Ascorbate
Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives
 
E302
Calcium-L-Ascorbate
Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives
 
E304
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives
 
E306
Natural Extracts rich in Tocopherols
Antioxidants- Vitamin E
 
E307
Synthetic Alpha-Tocopherol
Antioxidants- Vitamin E
 
E308
Synthetic Gamma-Tocopherol
Antioxidants- Vitamin E
 
E309
Synthetic Delta-Tocopherol
Antioxidants- Vitamin E
 
E310
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidants- other
 
E311
Octyl Gallate
Antioxidants- other
 
E312
Dodecyl Gallate
Antioxidants- other
 
E320
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Antioxidants- other
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances. May not be suitable for babies
E321
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Antioxidants- other
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances. May not be suitable for babies
E322
Lecithins
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers
 
E325
Sodium Lactate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
 
E326
Potassium Lactate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
 
E327
Calcium Lactate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
 
E330
Citric Acid
Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
 
E331
Sodium Citrates
Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
 
E332
Potassium Citrates
Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
 
E333
Calcium Citrates
Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
 
E334
Tartaric Acid
Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
 
E335
Sodium Tartrate
Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
 
E336
Potassium Tartrate (Cream of Tartar)
Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
 
E337
Potassium Sodium Tartrate
Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
 
E338
Orthophosphoric Acid
Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
 
E339
Sodium Phosphates
Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
 
E340
Potassium Phosphates
Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
 
E341
Calcium Phosphates
Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
 
E400
Alginic Acid
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E401
Sodium Alginate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E402
Potassium Alginate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E403
Ammonium Alginate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E404
Calcium Alginate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E405
Propane-1,2-Diol Alginate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
 
E406
Agar
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E407
Carrageenan
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E410
Locust Bean Gum (Carob Gum)
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E412
Guar Gum
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E413
Tragacanth
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E414
Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic)
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E415
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
 
E420
Sorbitol
Sugar Alcohols
 
E421
Mannitol
Sugar Alcohols
 
E422
Glycerol
Sugar Alcohols
 
E440a
Pectin
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Pectin and derivatives
 
E440b
Amidated Pectin
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Pectin and derivatives
 
E450a,b,c
Sodium and Potassium Phosphates and Polyphosphates
Miscellaneous
 
E460
Microcrystalline / Powdered Cellulose
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E461
Methylcellulose
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E463
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E464
Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E465
Ethylmethylcellulose
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E466
Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
 
E470
Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E471
Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E472
Various Esters of Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E473
Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E474
Sucroglycerides
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E475
Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E477
Propane-1,2-Diol Esters of Fatty Acids
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E481
Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E482
Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
E483
Stearyl Tartrate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 

 

FOOD ADDITIVE NUMBERS WITH NO E-PREFIX

Number
Name
Category
Affects
107
Yellow 2G
Colours - Yellow and Orange
 
128
Red 2G
Colours - Red
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
133
Brilliant Blue FCF
Colours - Blue
May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
154
Brown FK
Colours - Brown and Black
 
155
Brown HT
Colours - Brown and Black
May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
234
Nisin
Preservative - other
 
262
Sodium Acetate
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
296
Malic Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
297
Fumaric Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
 
350
Sodium Malate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
351
Potassium Malate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
352
Calcium Malate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
353
Metataric Acid
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
355
Adipic Acid
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
363
Succinic Acid
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
370
1,4-Heptonolactane
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
375
Nicotinic Acid
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
380
Triammonium Citrate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
381
Ammonium Ferric Citrate
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
385
Calcium Disodium EDTA
Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
 
416
Karaya Gum
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers
 
430
Polyoxyethane (8) Stearate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
431
Polyoxyethane (40) Stearate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
432
Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan / Polysorbate 20
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
433
Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Mono-oleate / Polysorbate 80
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
434
Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate / Polysorbate 40
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
435
Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Monostearate / Polysorbate 60
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
436
Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Tristearate / Polysorbate 65
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
 
476
Polyglycerol Esters of Polycondensed Esters of Caster Oil
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
478
Lactylated Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol and Propane-1,2-Diol
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
491
Sorbitan Monostearate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
492
Sorbitan Tristearate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
493
Sorbitan Monolaurate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
494
Sorbitan Mono-oleate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
495
Sorbitan Monopalmitate
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
 
500
Sodium Carbonate / Sodium Bicarbonate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
 
501
Potassium Carbonate / Potassium Bicarbonate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
 
503
Ammonium Carbonate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
 
504
Magnesium Carbonate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
 
507
Hydrochloric Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
 
508
Potassium Chloride
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
 
509
Calcium Chloride
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
 
510
Ammonium Chloride
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
 
513
Sulphuric Acid
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
 
514
Sodium Sulphate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
 
515
Potassium Sulphate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
 
516
Calcium Sulphate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
 
518
Magnesium Sulphate
Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
 
524
Sodium Hydroxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
525
Potassium Hydroxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
526
Calcium Hydroxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
527
Ammonium Hydroxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
528
Magnesium Hydroxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
529
Calcium Oxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
530
Magnesium Oxide
Miscellaneous - Alkalis
 
535
Sodium Ferrocyanide
Miscellaneous - other Salts
 
536
Potassium Ferrocyanide
Miscellaneous - other Salts
 
540
Dicalcium Ferrocyanide
Miscellaneous - other Salts
 
541
Sodium Aluminium Phosphate
Miscellaneous - other Salts
 
542
Edible Bone Phosphate (Bone-Meal)
Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
 
544
Calcium Polyphosphates
Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
 
545
Ammonium Polyphosphates
Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
 
551
Silicon Dioxide (Silica Salt)
Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
 
552
Calcium Silicate
Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
 
553
Magnesium Silicate / Magnesium Trisilicate (Talc)
Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
 
554
Aluminium Sodium Silicate
Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
 
556
Aluminium Calcium Silicate
Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
 
558
Bentonite
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
559
Kaolin (Aluminium Silicate)
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
570
Stearic Acid
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
572
Magnesium Stearate
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
575
Glucono Delta-Lactone
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
576
Sodium Gluconate
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
577
Potassium Gluconate
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
578
Calcium Gluconate
Miscellaneous - other compounds
 
620
L-Glutamic Acid
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
621
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
622
Monopotassium Glutamate
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
623
Calcium Glutamate
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
627
Sodium Guanylate
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
631
Sodium Inosinate
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
635
Sodium5-Ribonucleotide
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
636
Maltol
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
637
Ethyl Maltol
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
900
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
 
901
Beeswax
Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
 
903
Carnauba Wax
Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
 
904
Shellac
Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
 
905
Mineral Hydrocarbons
Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
 
907
Refined Microcrystalline Wax
Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
 
920
L-Cysteine Hydrochloride
Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
 
924
Potassium Bromate
Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
 
925
Chlorine
Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
 
926
Chlorine Dioxide
Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
 
927
Azodicarbonamide
Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
 

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