You are standing in the supermarket aisle, holding a packet of gummy bears. You flip it over to check the ingredients, and instead of "sugar" or "fruit," you see a cryptic list: E120, E441, E904.
What do these codes mean? Are they safe? And more importantly, do they contain hidden animal products?
For anyone following a Vegan, Halal, or Kosher diet, E-numbers (food additives) are the biggest hurdle. Manufacturers use them to color, preserve, and texture food, often hiding animal-derived ingredients behind a simple number.
In this comprehensive guide, we will decode the most common "Red Flag" additives you need to watch out for.
What Are E-Numbers? 🏷️
E-numbers are codes for substances used as food additives within the European Union (and widely used globally). The "E" stands for "Europe," but you will find these codes on labels from Asia to the Americas (sometimes just as the number, e.g., "Red 40" or "441").
While many are harmless (E300 is just Vitamin C!), others are derived from insects, bones, and hair.
🔴 The "Definitely NOT Vegan/Halal" List
If you see these codes, put the product back on the shelf immediately.
1. E120: Carmine (Cochineal) 🐞
Found in: Red candy, yogurt, juice, lipstick.
What it is: A bright red food coloring made by crushing thousands of female cochineal insects (beetles). Yes, bugs.
Verdict: Not Vegan. Not Halal (according to most scholars).
2. E441: Gelatin 🦴
Found in: Gummy bears, marshmallows, jelly, yogurt, capsules.
What it is: A gelling agent obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of cows or pigs.
Verdict: Not Vegan. Not Halal (unless certified Bovine/Beef Gelatin from Halal slaughter).
3. E904: Shellac 🍬
Found in: Shiny candies, glazed fruit, jelly beans.
What it is: A resin secreted by the female lac bug. It is used to give sweets that glossy, polished look.
Verdict: Not Vegan. Not Halal (Debated, but often avoided).
4. E542: Bone Phosphate 🐄
Found in: Anti-caking agents, some dry foods.
What it is: Phosphorus extracted from animal bones.
Verdict: Not Vegan.
🟠 The "Suspicious" List (Mushbooh / Gray Area)
These additives can be plant-based, but they can also be derived from animal fats (pork or beef). Without a "Vegan" or "Halal" certification logo, you can never be 100% sure.
1. E471: Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids 🧈
Found in: Bread, ice cream, margarine, chocolate.
The Issue: These fats can come from soy (vegan) or pork/beef fat. There is no way to tell from the label alone unless it says "Vegetable E471".
2. E422: Glycerol / Glycerin 💧
Found in: Bakery products, sweeteners, protein bars.
The Issue: Like E471, glycerin is a byproduct of soap making and can be derived from animal fat (tallow) or vegetable oil.
3. E920: L-Cysteine 💇♂️
Found in: Bread, bagels, pizza dough (used as a dough conditioner).
The Issue: Believe it or not, L-Cysteine is often synthesized from human hair (gathered from barbershops) or duck feathers/hog hair. Gross, right?
🟢 The "Safe" List (Accidentally Vegan)
Don't panic! Many scary-sounding chemicals are actually 100% plant-based.
- E100 (Curcumin): Natural yellow color from turmeric. ✅
- E160a (Carotene): Orange color from carrots/plants. ✅
- E322 (Lecithin): Usually from soy or sunflower (check for "Egg Lecithin" though). ✅
- E406 (Agar Agar): The vegan alternative to gelatin, made from seaweed. ✅
- E440 (Pectin): Gelling agent from fruit skins. ✅
How to Check Instantly? 📲
Memorizing 500 different codes is impossible. That’s why we built EatCheck.
Our algorithm scans thousands of products and automatically flags these hidden non-vegan and non-halal E-codes. Simply type the product name into our search bar, and get an instant answer.
Disclaimer: Ingredients can change. Always double-check the physical packaging.