E numbers: which ones can I eat?

What are E-numbers?

E numbers are additives approved by the European Union that are used to alter the properties of food and other foodstuffs. While these additives are generally considered safe by the EU, this doesn't mean they are always healthy. Furthermore, everyone reacts differently to certain E numbers, and people combine E numbers, and ingest excessive amounts of them. This isn't always without risk. Our bodies often tell us that fresh produce tastes better, so it's wise to choose food without harmful additives.

Are all E numbers bad?

Not all E-numbers are harmful. Some are naturally occurring and can even be beneficial to health. To help you determine which E-numbers are harmful, we've compiled an overview below, categorizing each E-number. Green means it's practically harmless to the human body, orange indicates it should only be consumed in very limited quantities, and red means it's best avoided. The list was compiled from a very critical perspective, so if there's any doubt, an additive has been placed in a less desirable category.

The E numbers are divided into the following groups:

• E100-199 : Colorants
• E200-299 : Preservatives / Food acids
• E300-399 : Antioxidants
• E400-499 : Emulsifiers
• E500-599 : Various additives
• E600-699 : Flavor enhancers
• E700-799 : Preservatives

The E number overview

E100-199: Colorants

Dyes are used to add color to products or to enhance their colors.

Origin	Goal	E number	Name	Comments
Extract from turmeric (Curcuma longa)	Yellow food coloring	E100	Curcumin
Different types of yeasts	Yellow food coloring	E101	Riboflavin	Other name: vitamin B2
Synthetic	Yellow food coloring	E102	Tartrazine	The ADI is up to 7.5 mg/kg body weight. May cause reactions in a small group of people.
Root of the alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria)	Yellow food coloring	E103	Alkannine	Banned since 1984
Synthetic	Yellow food coloring	E104	Quinoline yellow
Different types of yeasts	Yellow food coloring	E106	sodium riboflavin-5′-phosphate
Synthetic	Yellow food coloring	E107	Yellow 2G
Synthetic	Yellow food coloring	E110	Sun Yellow FCF
A species of scale insect	Red dye	E120	Cochineal
	Red dye	E121	Citrus Red 2	Carcinogenic, no longer permitted in the EU
Synthetic	Red dye	E122	Crimson red
Synthetic	Red dye	E123	Amaranth
Synthetic	Red dye	E124	Cochineal Red A
		E125	Ponceau SX
Synthetic	Red dye	E127	Erythrosine
Synthetic	Red dye	E128	Red 2G
Synthetic	Red dye	E129	Allura red
Synthetic	Blue dye	E131	Patent Blue V
Synthetic	Blue dye	E132	Indigotine
Synthetic	Blue dye	E133	Brilliant Blue FCF
Natural dye, chlorophyll	Dark green dye	E140	Chlorophyll
Semi-synthetic	Dark green dye	E141	Chlorophyll copper complexes
Synthetic	Green food coloring	E142	Brilliant acid green BS
	Green food coloring	E143	Fast Green FCF
Burnt sugar	Brown dye	E150a	Caramel coloring	Possibly carcinogenic in large doses ( source ).
Burnt sugar	Brown dye	E150b	Alkali sulfite caramel	Possibly carcinogenic in large doses ( source ).
Burnt sugar	Brown dye	E150c	Ammonia caramel	Possibly carcinogenic in large doses ( source ). May cause intestinal complaints.
Burnt sugar	Brown dye	E150d	Sulfite ammonia caramel	Possibly carcinogenic in large doses ( source ). May cause intestinal complaints.
Synthetic	Black dye	E151	Brilliant Black BN
Semi-natural dye	Black dye	E153	Carbon
Synthetic	Brown dye	E154	Brown FK
Synthetic	Brown dye	E155	Chocolate Brown HT
Various plant sources/synthetic	Orange/yellow food coloring	E160a	Carotene
The tropical anatto tree (Bixa orellana)	Orange/yellow food coloring	E160b	Annatto
Peppers	Orange-red dye	E160c	Paprika extract
Tomatoes	Red dye	E160d	Lycopene	Orange if genetically modified, otherwise green.
Synthetic from ß-carotene	Orange food coloring	E160e	Beta-apo-8′-carotenal
Synthetic from ß-carotene	Orange food coloring	E160f	Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8′-carotenic acid
Various plant sources or synthetic	Yellow, orange to red dyes	E161	Xanthophylls
Naturally from buttercup	Yellow food coloring	E161a	Flavoxanthin	Banned in Switzerland.
Naturally	Yellow food coloring	E161b	Lutein
Naturally	Yellow food coloring	E161c	Cryptoxanthin	Banned in Switzerland.
Naturally from roses or rosehips	Orange-red dye	E161d	Rubixanthin	Carotenoid.
Naturally from violets	Orange food coloring	E161e	Violoxanthin	Carotenoid.
Naturally from Taxus	Purple dye	E161f	Rodhoxanthin	Carotenoid.
Mostly synthetic, sometimes natural	Yellow food coloring	E161g	Canthaxanthin	Carotenoid. Added to chicken feed to make egg yolks more yellow.
Mostly synthetic, sometimes natural	Yellow food coloring	E161h	Canthaxanthin	Carotenoid. Added to chicken feed to make egg yolks more yellow.
Mostly synthetic, sometimes natural	Orange food coloring	E161i	Citranaxanthin	Carotenoid. The synthetic version is often added to chicken feed.
Red beets	Red/purple dye	E162	Beetroot red
Red cabbage and other plants	Red, purple or blue dyes	E163	Anthocyanins
Mineral, lime	White dye	E170	Calcium carbonate
Mineral	White dye	E171	Titanium dioxide	Possibly carcinogenic in large quantities or if inhaled.
Ores or minerals	black, red, orange, or brown dye	E172	Iron oxides
Bauxite ore	Metallic dye	E173	Aluminum
Silver ores	Metallic dye	E174	Silver
Various ores	Metallic dye	E175	Gold
Synthetic from aminonaphthol carboxylic acid	Red dye	E180	Rubis pigment
Various plants, including the oak	Yellowish-white to brown powder	E181	Tannic acid
		E182	Orchil, orceine (litmus)

E200-299: Preservatives / Food acids

Preservatives are added to extend the shelf life of products. Food acids are used to alter the pH (acidity) of a product, extending its shelf life and preserving its color.

Origin	Goal	E number	Name	Comments
Natural (rowan) or synthetic	Preservative against mold and yeast	E200	Sorbic acid	May cause skin irritation.
Synthetic	Preservative	E201	Sodium sorbate	Similar to E200
Synthetic	Preservative	E202	Potassium sorbate	Similar to E200
Synthetic	Preservative	E203	Calcium sorbate	Similar to E200
Synthetic	Preservative against mold and bacteria	E210	Benzoic acid
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts and bacteria	E211	Sodium benzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts and bacteria	E212	Potassium benzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts and bacteria	E213	Calcium benzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts, molds, bacteria	E214	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts, molds, bacteria	E215	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts, molds, bacteria	E216	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts, molds, bacteria	E217	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts and molds	E218	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Synthetic	Preservative against yeasts and molds	E219	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt
Naturally occurring gas	Preservative, bleaching agent, dough improver	E220	Sulfur dioxide
Synthetic	Against micro-organisms, Antioxidant, dough improvement	E221	Sodium sulfite
Synthetic	Preservative, Antioxidant, Bleaching agent	E222	Sodium bisulfite
Synthetic	Preservative, Antioxidant, Bleaching agent	E223	Sodium metabisulfite
Synthetic	Preservative against micro-organisms	E224	Potassium metabisulfite
Synthetic	Preservative	E225	Potassium sulfite
Synthetic	Preservative	E226	Calcium sulfite
Synthetic	Preservative	E227	Calcium bisulfite
Synthetic	Preservative against micro-organisms	E228	Potassium bisulfite
Synthetic	Preservative against mold	E230	Biphenyl
Synthetic	Preservative against mold and bacteria	E231	2-Hydroxibiphenyl
Synthetic	Preservative against mold	E232	Sodium orthophenylphenolate
Synthetic	Preservative against mold	E233	Thiabendazol
Produced by Lactococcus lactis	Preservative against mold and bacteria	E234	Nisin
Produced by the fungus Streptomyces	Preservative, especially against mold	E235	Pimaricine
Naturally occurring	Preservative against bacteria, flavor enhancer	E236	Formic acid
Synthetic	Preservative against bacteria	E237	Sodium formate
Synthetic	Preservative against bacteria	E238	Calcium formate
Synthetic	Preservative against mold	E239	Hexamine
Synthetic	Disinfectant against bacteria	E240	Formaldehyde
Synthetic	Sterilizing cold soft drinks	E242	Dimethyl dicarbonate
Synthetic	Preservative against mold and bacteria	E243	Ethyl lauroyl arginate	Unfavorable for white blood cells in large quantities
Naturally	Against botulism, prevents browning of meat	E249	Potassium nitrite
Naturally	Against botulism, prevents browning of meat	E250	Sodium nitrite
Naturally	Against bacteria, prevents browning of meat	E251	Sodium nitrate
Naturally	Against botulism, prevents browning of meat	E252	Potassium nitrate
Naturally	Antibacterial, flavoring	E260	Acetic acid
Synthetic	Prevents discoloration of food products	E261	Sodium acetate
Synthetic	Preservative against mold and bacteria	E262	Sodium diacetate
Synthetic	Preservative against bacteria, stabilizer	E263	Calcium acetate
Synthetic	Preservative against bacteria, stabilizer	E264	Ammonium acetate
Naturally	Preservative against yeasts, flavoring	E270	Lactic acid
Synthetic	Preservative against some types of fungi	E280	Propionic acid
Synthetic	Preservative against 3 types of mold	E281	Sodium propionate
Synthetic	Preservative against 3 types of mold	E282	Calcium propionate
Synthetic	Preservative against mold	E283	Potassium propionate
Synthetic	Preservative	E284	Boric acid
Synthetic	Preservative	E285	Sodium tetraborate
Naturally occurring gas	Preservative, coolant, "fizz" in lemonade	E290	Carbon dioxide
Synthetic/natural	Food acid	E296	Malic acid	Can be GM
Synthetic	Food acid	E297	Fumaric acid

E300-399: Antioxidants

Antioxidants ensure that products have a longer shelf life by increasing their resistance to oxygen (oxidation).

Origin	Goal	E-number	name	Comments
Naturally occurring	Vitamin, Antioxidant, prevents browning	E300	Ascorbic acid
Synthetic from ascorbic acid and table salt	Vitamin, Antioxidant, prevents browning	E301	Sodium ascorbate
Synthetic from ascorbic acid and calcium	Antioxidant, stabilizer and as vitamin C	E302	Calcium ascorbate
Synthetic	Antioxidant against fat rancidity	E304	Ascorbyl palmitate
Naturally	Vitamin and Antioxidant	E306	Tocopherol extracts
Natural or synthetic	Vitamin and Antioxidant	E307	alpha-tocopherol
Natural or synthetic	Vitamin and Antioxidant	E308	gamma-tocopherol
Natural or synthetic	Vitamin and Antioxidant	E309	delta-tocopherol
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E310	Propyl gallate
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E311	Octyl gallate
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E312	Dodecyl gallate
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E315	Erythorbic acid	Synthetic vitamin C with only 1/20 of the effectiveness
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E316	Sodium erythorbate	Synthetic vitamin C with only 1/20 of the effectiveness
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E319	Butylhydroquinone	Applied in oils and fats.
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E320	BHA – Butylhydroxyanisole
Synthetic	Antioxidant	E321	BHT – Butylhydroxytoluene	Hormone disrupting effects identified.
Naturally	Antioxidant, emulsifier or anti-foam agent	E322	Lecithin	Often extracted from soy using hexane
Synthetic	Moisture binder	E325	Sodium lactate
Synthetic	Salt of lactic acid	E326	Potassium lactate
Synthetic	Salt of lactic acid	E327	Calcium lactate
Natural or synthetic	Acidity regulator	E330	Citric acid	Usually synthesized using GM yeast
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E331a	Sodium hydrogen citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E331b	Disodium citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E331c	Trisodium citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E332a	Potassium dihydrogen citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E332b	Tripotassium citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E333a	Calcium hydrogen citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E333b	Di-calcium citrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E333c	Calcium citrate
	Natural acid	E334	Tartaric acid
	Semi-synthetic salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E335a	Sodium hydrogen tartrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E335b	Disodium tartrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E336a	Potassium hydrogen tartrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E336b	Potassium tartrate
	Semi-synthetic salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E337	Sodium potassium tartrate
	Natural acid, synthetically prepared	E338	Phosphoric acid
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E339a	Sodium dihydrogen phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E339b	Disodium hydrogen phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E339c	Trisodium phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E340a	Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E340b	Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E340c	Tripotassium phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E341a	Monocalcium phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E341b	Calcium hydrogen phosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E341c	Tricalcium diphosphate
	Salt of phosphoric acid (E338)	E343	Magnesium phosphate
	Salt of malic acid	E350	Sodium malate and sodium hydrogen malate
	Salt of malic acid	E351	Potassium malate and potassium hydrogen malate
	Salt of malic acid	E352	Calcium malate and calcium hydrogen malate
	Natural acid	E353	Metatartaric acid
	Salt of tartaric acid (E334)	E354	Calcium tartrate
	Natural acid	E355	Adipic acid
	Natural acid	E363	Succinic acid
	Synthetic acid	E370	1,4-Heptonolactone
Natural or synthetic	Synthetic acid	E375	Nicotinic acid	can cause dilation of blood vessels and redness of the skin
	Semi-synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E380	Triammonium citrate
	Synthetic salt of citric acid (E330)	E381	Ammonium iron citrate
	synthetic salt	E385	Calcium EDTA

E400-499: Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers change the texture of a product and allow two originally incompatible substances to become mixed.

Origin	Goal	E number	Name
	Thickener	E400	Alginic acid
	Salt of Alginic acid (E400)	E401	Sodium alginate
	Salt of Alginic acid (E400)	E402	Potassium alginate
	Salt of Alginic acid (E400)	E403	Ammonium alginate
	Salt of Alginic acid (E400)	E404	Calcium alginate
	Alginic acid ester (E400)	E405	Propylene glycol alginate
Naturally	Thickener	E406	Agar-Agar
Naturally	Thickener	E407	Carrageen
Naturally	Thickener	E408	Furcelleran
Naturally	Thickener	E410	Locust bean gum
Naturally	Thickener	E412	Gura pit flour
Naturally	Thickener	E413	Tragacanth
Naturally	Thickener	E414	Gum Arabic
Naturally	Thickener	E415	Xanthan gum
Naturally	Thickener	E416	Karaya gum
Naturally	Thickener	E417	Taragom
Naturally	Thickener	E418	Gellan gum
	Natural sugar alcohol	E420	Sorbitol
	Natural sugar alcohol	E421	Mannitol
	Natural alcohol	E422	Glycerol
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E430	Polyoxyethylene(8) stearate
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E431	Polyoxyethylene(40) stearate
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E432	Tween 20
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E433	Polysorbate 80
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E434	Tween 40
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E435	Tween 60
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifier	E436	Tween 65
Naturally	Thickener	E440a	Pectin
Synthetic	Made from pectin	E440b	Aminated pectin
Synthetic	Synthetic emulsifiers	E442	Ammonium phosphatides
Synthetic	Stabilizer	E445	Glycerol ester
Synthetic	Salty	E450a	Disodium dihydrogen diphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450a	Trisodium diphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450a	Tetrasodium diphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450a	Tetrapotassium diphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450b	Pentasodium triphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450b	Pentapotassium triphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450c	Sodium polyphosphate
Synthetic	Salty	E450c	Potassium polyphosphate
	Synthetic stabilizers	E452, E452I-E452iv	Polyphosphates
	Natural polymer, wood dust	E460	Microcrystalline Cellulose
	Natural polymer, wood dust	E460	Cellulose
	Made from cellulose (E460)	E461	Methylcellulose
	Made from cellulose (E460)	E463	Hydroxypropylcellulose
	Made from cellulose (E460)	E464	Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
	Made from cellulose (E460)	E465	Methylethylcellulose
	Made from cellulose (E460)	E466	Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
Fatty acids	Salts of fats	E470	Fatty acid salts
Fatty acids	Type of fat	E471	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472a	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with acetic acid
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472b	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with lactic acid
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472c	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with citric acid
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472d	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with tartaric acid
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472e	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with acetic acid derivatives
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E472f	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, esterified with acetic and tartaric acid
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E473	Sugar esters
Combination of sugar with fatty acids.	Synthetic emulsifiers	E474	Sugar glycerides
Mixture of lactic acid and stearic acid	Synthetic emulsifiers	E481/482	Sodium/Calcium stearoyl lactylate
Mixture of tartaric acid and stearic acid	Synthetic emulsifiers	E483	Stearyl tartrate
Mixture of citric acid and stearic acid	Synthetic emulsifiers	E484	Stearyl citrate
Fatty acids	Synthetic emulsifiers	E491-495	Compounds of sorbitol (a plant substance) with various fatty acids

E500-599: Various additives

This group consists of acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, and raising agents. Acidity regulators ensure that the acidity level is not too high, anti-caking agents prevent clumping, and raising agents ensure that bread rises faster.

Goal	E number	Name	Comments
base	E500	Sodium carbonate
base	E500a	Sodium hydrogen carbonate
base	E501	Potassium carbonate
base	E503	Ammonium carbonate
base, anti-caking agent	E504	Magnesium carbonate
source of iron	E505	Iron carbonate
Natural acid	E507	Hydrochloric acid
salty	E508	Potassium chloride
metal ion binder	E509	Calcium chloride
flavoring, dough improver	E510	Ammonium chloride
strengthening agent	E511	Magnesium chloride
Pickles	E513	Sulphuric acid
pickles	E514	Sodium sulfate
salt substitute	E515	Potassium sulfate
strengthening agent	E516	Calcium sulfate
magnesium source	E518	Magnesium sulfate
strengthening agent	E520	Aluminum sulfate
strengthening agent	E521	Aluminum sodium sulfate
leavening agent	E523	Aluminum ammonium sulfate
base	E524	Sodium hydroxide
base	E525	Potassium hydroxide
base	E526	Calcium hydroxide
base	E527	Ammonia
base	E528	Magnesium hydroxide
base	E529	Calcium oxide
base, anti-caking agent	E530	Magnesium oxide
anti-caking agent	E535	Sodium ferrocyanide
anti-caking agent	E536	Potassium ferrocyanide
anti-caking agent	E537	Ferrohexacyanomanganate
leavening agent	E540	Dicalcium diphosphate
leavening agent	E541	Sodium aluminum phosphate acid
melting salt	E541	Basic sodium aluminum phosphate
anti-caking agent	E542	Bone meal
Stabilizer	E543	Sodium calcium polyphosphate
Emulsifier	E544	Calcium polyphosphate
Emulsifier	E545	Ammonium polyphosphates
emulsifier	E546	Dimagnesium diphosphate
anti-caking agent	E550	Sodium silicate
anti-caking agent	E551	Silicon dioxide
anti-caking agent	E552	Calcium silicate
anti-caking agent	E553a	Magnesium silicate
anti-caking agent	E553b	Talk
anti-caking agent	E554	Sodium aluminum silicate
anti-caking agent	E555	Potassium aluminum silicate
anti-caking agent	E556	Aluminum calcium silicate
anti-caking agent	E557	Zinc silicate
anti-caking agent	E558	Bentonite
anti-caking agent	E559	Kaolin
anti-caking agent	E570	Stearic acid
anti-caking agent	E571	Ammonium stearate
anti-caking agent	E572	Magnesium stearate
anti-caking agent	E573	Aluminum stearate
metal ion binder	E574	Gluconic acid
metal ion binder	E575	Glucono-delta-lactone
metal ion binder	E576	Sodium gluconate
metal ion binder	E577	Potassium gluconate
acidity regulator	E578	Calcium gluconate
source of iron	E579	Iron gluconate
Stabilizer	E585	Iron lactate

E600-699: Flavor enhancers

Flavor enhancers strengthen the flavor of a product or add a specific flavor.

Origin	Goal	E number	Name	Comments
Synthetic	Natural amino acid, flavour enhancer	E620	L-glutamic acid	Some people may be allergic to it (see E621). Not suitable for use in baby food (under 3 months).
Synthetic	Natural amino acid, flavour enhancer	E621	Sodium glutamate	In case of hypersensitivity, it may cause personality changes, rage attacks, schizophrenia, apathy, and behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity. Not suitable for use in infant formula (under 3 months).
Synthetic	Natural amino acid flavor enhancer	E622	Potassium glutamate	Similar to E621
Synthetic	Natural amino acid flavor enhancer	E623	Calcium glutamate	Similar to E621
Synthetic	Natural amino acid flavor enhancer	E624	Ammonium glutamate	Similar to E621
Synthetic	Natural amino acid flavor enhancer	E625	Magnesium glutamate	Similar to E621, but can sometimes also have a calming effect
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E626	Guanylic acid	May cause asthmatic reactions or edema in case of hypersensitivity. Suspected of causing hyperactivity in children. Not suitable for use in baby food (under 3 months).
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E627	Sodium guanylate	Similar to E626. Mainly extracted from yeast
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E628	Potassium guanylate	Similar to E626. Mainly extracted from yeast
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E629	Calcium guanylate	Similar to E626. Mainly extracted from yeast
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E630	Inosinic acid	Mainly obtained from meat and sardines.
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E631	Sodium inosinate	Mainly obtained from meat and sardines.
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E632	Potassium inosinate	Mainly obtained from meat and sardines.
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E633	Calcium inosinate	Mainly obtained from meat and sardines.
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E635	Sodium 5′-ribonucleotide	Mainly obtained from meat and sardines.
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E636	Maltol	Normally extracted from malt
Naturally	Flavor enhancer	E637	Ethylmaltol
Synthetic	Flavor enhancer	E650	Zinc acetate

E700-799: Preservatives

Origin	Goal	E number	Name	Comments
The fungus Streptomyces ambofaciens	Preservative	E710	Spiramycins	A group of antibiotics
The fungus Streptomyces fradiae	Preservative	E713	Tylosin	A group of antibiotics

E900-999: Anti-foaming agents, glazing agents, dough improvers, sweeteners

Flour improvers enhance the baking properties of flour. Packaging gases extend a product's shelf life by altering the atmosphere within the product. Sweeteners give a product a sweet flavor without calories.

Origin	Goal	E number	Name	Comments
	anti-foam agent	E900	Dimethylpolysiloxane
Made by bees	Natural polish	E901	Beeswax
Excretion product of lice.	Natural polish	E902	Candelilla wax
	Natural polish	E903	Carnauba wax
	Gloss agents	E904	Shellac
	Natural polish	E905	Mineral hydrocarbons
	Natural polish	E906	Benzoin gum
	Natural polish	E907	Paraffin wax
	Natural polish	E908	Rice grain wax
	Natural polish	E912	Montanic acid	Risk of allergies.
A fatty excreta of sheep.	Natural polish	E913	Lanolin
Synthetic	Gloss agent	E914	Polyethylene wax
	Natural amino acid	E915	Rosin esters
Obtained from proteins, especially hair.	Natural amino acid	E920	L-cysteine
Obtained from proteins, especially hair.	dough improver	E921	L-cystine
	dough improver	E922	Potassium persulfate
	dough improver	E923	Ammonium persulfate
	preservative	E924	Potassium bromate
	Bleach	E925	Chlorine
	dough improver	E927	Azodicarbonamide
Naturally	Stabilizer/Propellant	E927b	Carbamide
Naturally	Stabilizer/Propellant	E938	Argon
Naturally	Stabilizer/Propellant	E939	Helium
Naturally	Stabilizer/Propellant	E941	Nitrogen
Naturally	Stabilizer/Propellant	E942	Nitrogen oxide
Petrochemical	Propellant	E943a	Butane
Petrochemical	Propellant	E943b	Isobutane
Petrochemical	Propellant	E944	Propane
Naturally	Propellant	E948	Oxygen
Naturally	Gas	E949	Hydrogen
Synthetic	Sweetener	E950	Acesulfame K
Synthetic	Sweetener	E951	Aspartame
Synthetic	Sweetener	E952	Cyclamate
Synthetic	Sweetener	E953	Isomalt	Made from sucrose / via GM
Naturally	Sweetener	E954	Saccharin
Synthetic	Sweetener	E955	Sucralose	Known as Splenda.
Protein from tropical plant Thaumatococcus daniellii	Sweetener	E957	Thaumatin
		E959	Neohesperidin
Naturally	Sweetener	E960	Stevia	Steviol glycosides, 300 x sweeter than sugar
Synthetic	Sweetener	E961	Neotame	Up to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar
Synthetic	Sweetener	E962	Salt of Aspartame
Synthetic		E965	Maltitol	May be of GM source
Made from (cow's) milk sugar		E966	Lactitol
Naturally	Sweetener	E968	Erythritol
Naturally	Foaming agent	E999	Quillaja

E1400-1499: Modified starches

Origin	Goal	E-number	Name	comments
	thickener	E1400	Dextrin
	thickener	E1401	Acid-treated starch
	thickener	E1402	Lye-treated starch
	thickener	E1403	Bleached starch
	thickener	E1404	Oxidized starch	Can be GM or natural
	thickener	E1410	Monostarch phosphate
	thickener	E1411	Distarch phosphate
	thickener	E1412	Distarch phosphate