E numbers are listed in numerical order. Considering E numbers were implemented for use primarily in European countries, this listing is useful for products exported from Europe. Additionally, regardless of E numbers, it is useful to learn the facts about additives. We can't escape them being added to foods, and isn't it better to have the knowledge to more wisely choose a product before consuming. Keep in mind that in this list of additives, some are not harmful. Some additives are even healthy, especially the vitamin additives. However, there are quite a few additives still in use that are frankly unhealthy. You need to know about these. It's simple. Click here for an alphabetised listing. After all, if you know the additive name but are not aware which number represents it (like most of the world, including Europe), you can simply look it up in a dictionary format. Of course, our homepage also has every categorisation listed. You may also click on any one of the categories to learn about each group.
E100 through E199--This group is composed of COLOURINGS added to foodstuffs
E100 Curcumin, turmeric
E101a Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate
E102 Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow 5
E103 Chrysoine Resorcinol
E104 Quinoline Yellow
E105 Fast Yellow AB
E106 Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate
E107 Yellow 2G
E110 Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6
E111 Orange GGN
E120 Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines, Natural Red 4
E121 Orcein, Orchil
E122 Carmoisine, Azorubine
E123 Amaranth, FD&C Red 2
E124 Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A, Brilliant Scarlet 4R
E125 Scarlet GN
E126 Ponceau 6R
E127 Erythrosine, FD&C Red 3
E128 Red 2G
E129 Allura Red AC, FD&C Red 40
E130 Indanthrene blue RS
E131 Patent Blue V
E132 Indigo carmine, Indigotine, FD&C Blue 2
E133 Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue 1
E140 Chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins
E142 Greens S
E150a Plain Caramel
E150b Caustic sulfite caramel
E150c Ammonia caramel
E150d Sulfite ammonia caramel
E151 Black PN, Brilliant Black BN
E152 Black 7984
E153 Carbon black, Vegetable carbon
E154 Brown FK, Kipper Brown
E155 Brown HT, Chocolate brown HT
E160a Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Gamma-carotene
E160b Annatto, bixin, norbixin
E160c Capsanthin, capsorubin, Paprika extract
E160d Lycopene
E160e Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)
E160f Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid (C30)
E161a Flavoxanthin
E161b Lutein
E161c Cryptoaxanthin
E161d Rubixanthin
E161e Violaxanthin
E161f Rhodoxanthin
E161g Canthaxanthin
E162 Beetroot Red, Betanin
E163 Anthocyanins
E170 Calcium carbonate, Chalk
E171 Titanium dioxide
E172 Iron oxides and hydroxides
E173 Aluminium
E174 Silver
E175 Gold
E180 Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BK
E181 Tannin
E200–E299--This group is composed of additives with PRESERVATIVE QUALITIES which are added to foodstuffs
E200 sorbic acid
E201 Sodium sorbate
E202 Potassium sorbate
E203 Calcium sorbate
E210 Benzoic acid
E211 Sodium benzoate
E212 Potassium benzoate
E213 Calcium benzoate
E214 Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E215 Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E216 Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E217 Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E218 Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E219 Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate
E220 Sulfur dioxide
E221 Sodium sulfite
E222 Sodium hydrogen sulfite
E223 Sodium metabisulfite
E224 Potassium metabisulfite
E225 Sodium sulfite
E226 Calcium sulfite
E227 Calcium hydrogen sulfite
E228 Potassium hydrogen sulfite
E230 Biphenyl, diphenyl
E231 Orthophenyl phenol
E232 Sodium orthophenyl phenol
E233 Thiabendazole
E234 Nisin
E235 Natamycin, Pimaracin
E236 Formic acid
E237 Sodium formiate
E238 Calcium formiate
E239 Hexamethylene tetramine, Hexamine
E240 Formaldehyde
E242 Dimethyl dicarbonate
E249 Potassium nitrite
E250 Sodium nitrite
E251 Sodium nitrate, also known as "saltpeter" or "saltpetre"
E252 Potassium nitrate also known as "saltpeter" or "saltpetre"
E260 Acetic acid
E261 Potassium acetate
E262 Sodium acetates [ Sodium acetate & Sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate)] [Preservative and Acidity regulator
E263 Calcium acetate [Preservative and Acidity regulator]
E264 Ammonium acetate
E270 Lactic acid [Preservative,[Acid and Antioxidant]
E280 Propionic acid
E281 Sodium propionate
E282 Calcium propionate
E283 Potassium propionate
E284 Boric acid
E285 Sodium tetraborate (borax)
E290 Carbon dioxide [Acidity regulator]
E296 Malic acid [Acid] [Acidity regulator]
E297 Fumaric acid [Acidity regulator]
E300–E399--This group is composed of additives with ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
E300 Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
E301 Sodium ascorbate
E302 Calcium ascorbate
E303 Potassium ascorbate
E304 Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid [Ascorbyl palmitate AND/OR Ascorbyl stearate]
E306 "Natural" Tocopherols (and tocopherol extracts)
E307 Alpha-tocopherol (synthetic)
E308 Gamma-tocopherol (synthetic)
E309 Delta-tocopherol (synthetic)
E310 Propyl gallate
E311 Octyl gallate
E312 Dodecyl gallate
E315 Erythorbic acid
E316 Sodium erythorbate
E317 Erythorbin acid
E318 Sodium erythorbin
E319 Butylhydroxinon
E320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
E322 Lecithin [Emulsifier]
E325 Sodium lactate
E326 Potassium lactate [Antioxidant and Acidity regulator]
E327 Calcium lactate
E329 Magnesium lactate
E330 Citric acid
E331 Sodium citrates [Monosodium citrate, Disodium citrate, and Trisodium citrate]
E332 Potassium citrates [Monopotassium citrate, and Tripotassium citrate]
E333 Calcium citrates [Monocalcium citrate, Dicalcium citrate. and Tricalcium citrate] [Acidity regulator and Firming Agent]
E334 Tartaric acid [L (+ or -)] [Acid and Antioxidant]
E335 Sodium tartrates [Monosodium tartrate, and Disodium tartrate]
E336 Potassium tartrates [Monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar) and Dipotassium tartrate]
E337 Sodium potassium tartrate
E338 Phosphoric acid
E339 Sodium phosphates [Monosodium phosphate, Disodium phosphate, and Trisodium phosphate]
E340 Potassium phosphates [Monopotassium phosphate, Dipotassium phosphate, and Tripotassium phosphate]
E341 Calcium phosphates [Monocalcium phosphate, Dicalcium phosphate, and Tricalcium phosphate] [Anti-caking agent and Firming Agent]
E343 Magnesium phosphates [Monomagnesium phosphate, and Dimagnesium phosphate] [Anti-caking agent]
E350 Sodium malates [Sodium malate and Sodium hydrogen malate] [Acidity regulator]
E351 Potassium malate [Acidity regulator]
E352 Calcium malates [Calcium malate and Calcium hydrogen malate] [Acidity regulator]
E353 Metatartaric acid [Emulsifier]
E354 Calcium tartrate [Emulsifier]
E355 Adipic acid [Acidity regulator]
E356 Sodium adipate [Acidity regulator]
E357 Potassium adipate [Acidity regulator]
E363 Succinic acid [Acidity regulator]
E365 Sodium fumarate [Acidity regulator]
E366 Potassium fumarate [Acidity regulator]
E367 Calcium fumarate[Acidity regulator]
E370 I,4-Heptonolactone [Acidity regulator]
E375 Nicotinic acid, Niacin, Nicotinamide [Colour Retention Agent] [PAR]
E380 Triammonium citrate [Acidity regulator]
E381 Ammoniumferrocitrate [Acidity regulator]
E385 Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (Calcium disodium EDTA)
E400–E499
E400–E499--This group is composed of additives which have EMULSIFYING, GELLING, STABILISING, THICKENING, AND OTHER qualities, when added to foodstuffs.
E400 Alginic acid
E401 Sodium alginate(see Algae)
E402 Potassium alginate(see Algae)
E403 Ammonium alginate(see Algae)
E404 Calcium alginate(see Algae)
E405 Propane-1,2-diol alginate (Propylene glycol alginate) (see Algae)
E406 Agar (see Agar)(see Algae)
E407 Carrageenan (see Algae)
E407a Processed eucheuma seaweed (see Algae)
E410 Locust bean gum (Carob gum)
E412 Guar gum [Thickener] [Stabiliser]
E413 Tragacanth
E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic)
E415 Xanthan gum
E416 Karaya gum
E417 Tara gum
E418 Gellan gum
E420 Sorbitol [Sorbitol and Sorbitol syrup] [Emulsifier, Sweetener and Humectant]
E421 Mannitol [Anti-caking agent and Sweetener]
E422 Glycerol [Emulsifier and Sweetener]
E425 Konjac [Konjac gum and Konjac] glucomannane
E430 Polyoxyethylene (8) stearate
E431 Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate
E432 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)
E433 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80)
E434 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40)
E435 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60)
E436 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65)
E440 Pectins [pectin and amidated pectin]
E441 Gelatine
E442 Ammonium phosphatides
E444 Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
E445 Glycerol esters of wood rosins
E450 Diphosphates [Disodium diphosphate, Trisodium diphosphate, Tetrasodium diphosphate, Dipotassium diphosphate, Tetrapotassium diphosphate, Dicalcium diphosphate, and Calcium dihydrogen diphosphate]
E451 Triphosphates [Pentasodium triphosphate, Pentapotassium triphosphate
E452 Polyphosphates [Sodium polyphosphates, Potassium polyphosphates, Sodium calcium polyphosphate, and Calcium polyphophates
E459 Beta-cyclodextrine
E460 Cellulose [Microcrystalline cellulose, Powdered cellulose]
E461 Methyl cellulose
E462 Ethyl cellulose
E463 Hydroxy propyl cellulose
E464 Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose
E468 Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
E469 Enzymically hydrolysed carboxymethylcellulose
E470a Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids
E470b Magnesium salts of fatty acids
E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate)
E472a Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E472b Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E472c Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E472d Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E472e Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E472f Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids
E474 Sucroglycerides
E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids
E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate
E477 Propane-1, 2-diol esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids
E478 Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propane-1
E479bThermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
E483 Stearyl tartrate
E491 Sorbitan monostearate
E492 Sorbitan tristearate
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate
E494 Sorbitan monooleate
E495 Sorbitan monopalmitate
E500–E599
E100–E199--This group is composed of additives, each with similar or different qualities, acting as acitidy regulators, antioxidants, colouring, etc. As with all or our links, a full explanation of each will be given.
E500 Sodium carbonates [Sodium carbonate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate (Bicarbonate of soda), Sodium sesquicarbonate] [Acidity regulator and Raising Agent]
E501 Potassium carbonates [Potassium carbonate and Potassium hydrogen carbonate] [Acidity regulator]
E503 Ammonium carbonates [Ammonium carbonate, Ammonium hydrogen carbonate [Acidity regulator]
E504 Magnesium carbonates [Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium hydroxide carbonate (Magnesium hydrogen carbonate) [Acidity regulator and Anti-caking agent]
E507 Hydrochloric acid [Acid]
E508 Potassium chloride [Gelling agent and Seasoning]
E509 Calcium chloride [Sequestrant and Firming Agent]
E510 Ammonium chloride, ammonia solution [Acidity regulator and Improving agent]
E511 Magnesium chloride [Firming Agent]
E512 Stannous chloride [Antioxidant]
E513 Sulfuric acid [Acid]
E514 Sodium sulfates [Sodium sulfate, and Sodium hydrogen sulfate] [Acidity regulator]
E515 Potassium sulfates [Potassium sulfate, and Potassium hydrogen sulfate] [Seasoning]
E516 Calcium sulfate [Sequestrant, Improving agent and Firming Agent]
E517 Ammonium sulfate [Improving agent]
E518 Magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts [Acidity regulator and Firming Agent]
E519 Copper (II) sulfate [Preservative]
E520 Aluminium sulfate [Firming Agent]
E521 Aluminium sodium sulfate [Firming Agent]
E522 Aluminium potassium sulfate [Acidity regulator]
E523 Aluminium ammonium sulfate [Acidity regulator]
E524 Sodium hydroxide [Acidity regulator]
E525 Potassium hydroxide [Acidity regulator]
E526 Calcium hydroxide [Acidity regulator and Firming Agent]
E527 Ammonium hydroxide [Acidity regulator]
E528 Magnesium hydroxide [Acidity regulator]
E529 Calcium oxide [Acidity regulator and Improving agent]
E530 Magnesium oxide [Acidity regulator and Anti-caking agent]
E535 Sodium ferrocyanide [Acidity regulator and Anti-caking agent]
E536 Potassium ferrocyanide [Anti-caking agent]
E538 Calcium ferrocyanide [Anti-caking agent]
E540 Dicalcium diphosphate [Acidity regulator and Emulsifier]
E541 Sodium aluminium phosphate [Emulsifier]
E542 Bone phosphate [Anti-caking agent]
E543 Calcium sodium polyphosphate
E544 Calcium polyphosphate [Emulsifier]
E545 Aluminium polyphosphate [Emulsifier]
E550 Sodium silicate [Anti-caking agent]
E551 Silicon dioxide (Silica) [Emulsifier and Anti-caking agent]
E552 Calcium silicate [Anti-caking agent]
E553a [Magnesium silicate, and Magnesium trisilicate] [Anti-caking agent]
E553b Talc [Anti-caking agent]
E554 Sodium aluminium silicate [Anti-caking agent]
E555 Potassium aluminium silicate [Anti-caking agent]
E556 Calcium aluminium silicate [Anti-caking agent]
E558 Bentonite [Anti-caking agent]
E559 Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) [Anti-caking agent]
E570 Stearic acid (Fatty acid) [Anti-caking agent]
E572 Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate [Emulsifier]
E574 Gluconic acid [Acidity regulator]
E575 Glucono-delta-lactone [Acidity regulator and Sequestrant]
E576 Sodium gluconate [Sequestrant]
E577 Potassium gluconate [Sequestrant]
E578 Calcium gluconate [Firming Agent]
E579 Ferrous gluconate [Colouring]
E585 Ferrous lactate [Colouring]
E600–E699
E600–E699--This group is composed of FLAVOURINGS AND FLAVOUR ENHANCERS which are added to foodstuffs
E620 Glutamic acid
E621 Monosodium glutamate
E622 Monopotassium glutamate
E623 Calcium diglutamate
E624 Monoammonium glutamate
E625 Magnesium diglutamate
E626 Guanylic acid
E627 Disodium guanylate, sodium guanylate
E628 Dipotassium guanylate
E629 Calcium guanylate
E630 Inosinic acid
E631 Disodium inosinate
E632 Dipotassium inosinate
E633 Calcium inosinate
E634 Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides
E635 Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides
E636 Maltol
E637 Ethyl maltol
E640 Glycine and its sodium salt
E900–E999--This group is composed of PRESERVATIVES, GLAZING AGENTS, ANTICAKING AGENTS, BLEACHES, IMPROVING AGENTS, SWEETENERS, AND FLAVOUR ENHANCERS. which are added to foodstuffs. The gases are mainly propellants, preparation and sealant gases E900–E999
E900 Dimethyl polysiloxane
E901 Beeswax, white and yellow
E902 Candelilla wax
E903 Carnauba wax
E904 Shellac
E905 Microcrystalline wax
E907 Crystalline wax
E910 L-cysteine
E912 Montanic acid esters
E913 Lanolin, sheep wool grease
E914 Oxidized polyethylene wax
E915 Esters of Colophane
E920 L-cysteine hydrochloride
E921 L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate
E924 Potassium bromate
E925 Chlorine
E926 Chlorine dioxide
E927b Carbamide
E928 Benzole peroxide
E938 Argon
E939 Helium
E941 Nitrogen
E942 Nitrous oxide
E943a Butane
E943b Iso-butane
E944 Propane
E948 Oxygen
E949 Hydrogen
E950 Acesulfame K
E951 Aspartame
E952 Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts
E953 Isomalt
E954 Saccharin and its Na, K and Ca salts
E957 Thaumatin
E959 Neohesperidine DC
E965 Maltitol, Maltitol, and Maltitol syrup]
E966 Lactitol
E967 Xylitol
E999 Quillaia extract
E1000–E1999--This group is composed of THICKENING AGENTS, STABILISERS, CARRIERS, PRESERVATIVES, EMULSIFIERS, AND HUMECTANTS which are added to foodstuffs.
E1103 Invertase
E1105 Lysozyme
E1200 Polydextrose
E1201 Polyvinylpyrrolidone
E1202 Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone
E1400 Dextrin
E1401 Modified starch
E1402 Alkaline modified starch
E1403 Bleached starch
E1404 Oxidized starch
E1410 Monostarch phosphate
E1412 Distarch phosphate
E1413 Phosphated distarch phosphate
E1414 Acetylated distarch phosphate
E1420 Acetylated starch, mono starch acetatE
E1421 Acetylated starch, mono starch acetate
E1422 Acetylated distarch adipate
E1430 Distarch glycerine
E1440 Hydroxy propyl starch
E1441 Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine
E1442 Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate
E1450 Starch sodium octenyl succinate
E1451 Acetylated oxidised starch
E1505 Triethyl citrate
E1510 Ethanon
E1518 Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)
E1520 Propylene glycol