E-numbers explained, what the codes on food labels mean
In short: E-numbers are codes for food additives authorised in the EU, such as E330 for citric acid; the label shows the additive’s function followed by its name or E-number. Most additives are not allergens, but some come from allergenic foods, such as soy lecithin (E322) or egg lysozyme (E1105), and the allergen source must then be emphasised.
E-numbers are codes for food additives authorised in the European Union. The "E" stands for Europe. A code like E330 is simply a short, language-neutral name for citric acid. You will find the same code on a pack in Lisbon, Berlin or Rome. For any single code, use our E-number lookup.
How additives appear on a label
EU law (Regulation 1169/2011) requires an additive to be listed by its function (its "category") followed by its name or E-number:
- "Acidity regulator: citric acid" or "Acidity regulator: E330"
- "Emulsifier: soya lecithin" or "Emulsifier: E322 (soya)"
- "Preservative: potassium sorbate" or "Preservative: E202"
Both versions mean the same thing. Many brands have switched to names because shoppers find them friendlier.
What the number ranges mean
The numbers are grouped roughly by function. Many additives have more than one use, so treat this as a guide only:
| Range | Mainly | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| E100–E199 | Colours | E100 curcumin, E120 carmine, E160a carotenes |
| E200–E299 | Preservatives (and some acids) | E200 sorbic acid, E211 sodium benzoate, E220 sulphur dioxide |
| E300–E399 | Antioxidants, acidity regulators | E300 ascorbic acid (vitamin C), E322 lecithins, E330 citric acid |
| E400–E499 | Thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers | E407 carrageenan, E415 xanthan gum, E471 mono- and diglycerides |
| E500–E599 | Acidity regulators, anti-caking agents | E500 sodium carbonates, E551 silicon dioxide |
| E600–E699 | Flavour enhancers | E621 monosodium glutamate (MSG) |
| E900–E999 | Glazing agents, gases, sweeteners | E901 beeswax, E941 nitrogen, E951 aspartame |
| E1000+ | Other additives, modified starches | E1105 lysozyme, E1422 modified starch, E1520 propylene glycol |
E-numbers and allergens
Most additives are not allergens, but some come from allergenic foods. In the EU and UK, the allergen must be emphasised whenever it is the source:
- E322 lecithins: usually soy or sunflower, sometimes egg. See hidden soy.
- E1105 lysozyme: from egg white, used in some cheeses and wines. See hidden egg.
- Modified starches (E14xx): can come from wheat. If so, wheat must be named. See hidden gluten.
- E220–E228 sulphites: sulphur dioxide and sulphites above 10 mg/kg are one of the 14 EU allergens, relevant for some people with asthma.
- E306 tocopherols from soy and E966 lactitol from milk are legally exempt from allergen emphasis because they are highly refined.
Additives that matter for other reasons
- Vegetarian and vegan diets: E120 carmine (from insects), E901 beeswax, E904 shellac, and some forms of E471 can be of animal origin. Carmine can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): E951 aspartame must carry "contains a source of phenylalanine".
- Polyols (sorbitol, maltitol and others): foods with more than 10% added polyols must warn that "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects".
- Six colours (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129) require the warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" in the EU.
- Titanium dioxide (E171) has not been authorised as a food additive in the EU since 2022.
Are E-numbers safe?
Each additive in the EU list has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or its predecessor. It is authorised only for specific foods and up to set maximum levels. EFSA has been re-evaluating all additives authorised before 2009, and this has led to new limits and, in some cases, withdrawals. Some ingredients with E-numbers are everyday substances: E300 is vitamin C, E330 is citric acid and E948 is oxygen.
That said, individuals can react to specific additives. Sulphites and some colours are the best-known examples. If you think an additive affects you, keep a reaction diary and discuss it with your doctor rather than cutting out long lists of foods.
How IngrediLens helps
IngrediLens recognises E-numbers and additive names on labels in six languages and explains what each one does. It flags additives linked to your filters, such as soy lecithin for a soy filter, carmine for vegetarian, or aspartame for PKU. You can also open the full E-number lookup on this site, with notes on each additive's function and source.
Check labels with IngrediLens
Point your iPhone camera at an ingredient list and IngrediLens highlights the allergens you chose and “may contain” statements. Free to start, no account, and your data stays on your device.
Download on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Are E-numbers bad for you?
An E-number means an additive has been assessed and authorised for use in the EU, under conditions of use and maximum levels. EFSA keeps re-evaluating additives, and some have been restricted or withdrawn. If you react to a specific additive, avoid it and talk to your doctor.
Can E-numbers contain allergens?
A few additives can be made from allergenic foods, for example lecithin (E322) from soy or egg, or lysozyme (E1105) from egg. In the EU and UK the allergen source must still be emphasised on the label.
Why do some labels show names instead of E-numbers?
EU law lets manufacturers show the additive's function followed by either its name or its E-number, for example "emulsifier (soya lecithin)" or "emulsifier (E322)". Both mean the same thing.
Do US labels use E-numbers?
No. US labels use the additive's name, and certified colours have names like "FD&C Yellow No. 5" (tartrazine, E102 in the EU).
