The E-number guide
E-numbers are where labels get cryptic. Here is what the common ones are actually made from, and whether they fit a vegan or halal diet. When the honest answer is “it depends on the factory”, we say so instead of guessing.
Yellow colouring from turmeric
Yellow colouring, vitamin
Yellow colouring
Orange-yellow colouring
Red colouring
Red colouring
Red colouring
Red colouring
Blue colouring
Green colouring
Brown colouring
Brown colouring (colas)
Black colouring
Orange colouring
Orange colouring
Colouring, anti-caking agent
White colouring
Preservative
Preservative
Preservative
Curing salt (preservative)
Acidity regulator
Acidity regulator
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Emulsifier
Acidity regulator
Thickener
Thickener
Thickener
Stabiliser, glazing
Thickener
Sweetener (polyol)
Humectant, sweetener
Gelling agent
Gelling agent
Gelling agent
Raising agent, stabiliser
Emulsifier
Emulsifier (bread improver)
Emulsifier (chocolate)
Emulsifier
Raising agent
Anti-caking agent
Anti-caking agent
Anti-caking agent
Flavour enhancer
Flavour enhancer
Flavour enhancer
Flavour enhancer
Glazing agent
Glazing agent
Glazing agent (shiny candy)
Glazing agent, vitamin D3 source
Flour treatment agent
Sweetener
Sweetener
Sweetener
Sweetener
Sweetener (polyol)
Sweetener (polyol)
Preservative (cheese)
Want the full story on how additives end up ambiguous? Read our guide to E-codes and why we sometimes say “check the label”.