E-Numbers Database UK

Natural yellow colour from turmeric. Used in butter, cheese, mustard.

Synthetic yellow dye. Linked to hyperactivity in children.

Orange-yellow synthetic dye. Similar concerns to tartrazine.

Brown colour from heated sugar. Found in cola and sauces.

Caramel colour containing 4-MEI. Used in beer and soy sauce.

The "cola caramel" - highest 4-MEI levels but reformulated.

Natural orange colour, precursor to vitamin A.

White colour BANNED in EU. UK still allows. DNA damage concerns.

Natural mineral-based red/yellow/black colours.

Synthetic yellow dye. Linked to hyperactivity and asthma. Banned in US, Australia.

Natural red dye from crushed insects. Allergy risk. Not vegan.

Synthetic red dye linked to hyperactivity. Banned in US, Sweden, Norway.

Synthetic red dye requiring UK warning label. Banned in US.

Synthetic red dye (Red 40) linked to hyperactivity in children.

Synthetic blue dye in sweets. Requires hyperactivity warning.

Synthetic blue dye. Allergic reactions possible.

Synthetic blue dye. Generally well-tolerated.

Natural-derived green colour from plants.

Black charcoal colour. Can interfere with medications.

Natural orange-red colour from achiote seeds. Used in cheese.

Common preservative in soft drinks and pickles.

Preservative in dried fruit and wine. May trigger asthma.

Preservative in processed meats. Linked to health concerns.

Curing salt in dry-cured meats. Converts to nitrite in body.

Natural preservative from rowan berries. One of the safest.

Preservative in wine, cheese and baked goods. Very safe.

Vitamin C. Used as antioxidant in many foods.

Vitamin C sodium salt. Less acidic form in processed meats.

Emulsifier from soy or sunflower. Found in chocolate.

Synthetic antioxidant banned in UK/EU. May be in imported foods.

Synthetic antioxidant classified as possible carcinogen by WHO.

Synthetic antioxidant with cancer concerns. Banned in Japan.

Natural preservative from citrus fruits. One of the safest additives.

Acidifier in cola drinks. Linked to bone and kidney concerns.

Sugar alcohol in sugar-free products. Laxative effect in large amounts.

Emulsifier in chocolate. Safe but indicates lower quality.

Seaweed extract. Controversial due to gut inflammation concerns.

Natural thickener from guar beans. Gluten-free, may aid digestion.

Natural thickener from fermentation. Gluten-free, vegan.

Natural humectant in cakes and icing. Completely safe.

Natural gelling agent from fruits. May lower cholesterol.

Phosphate salts in processed meats. Kidney concerns at high intake.

Emulsifier in bread and cakes. Halal/vegan status varies by source.

Traditional raising agent in biscuits. Completely safe.

Baking soda and related compounds. Used for centuries in baking.

Flavour enhancer in savoury foods. Safe but some sensitivity.

Artificial sweetener in diet drinks. WHO: "possibly carcinogenic".

Zero-calorie sweetener with limited testing. Use in moderation.

Sweetener banned in US since 1969 due to cancer concerns.

Oldest artificial sweetener. 1970s cancer scare was debunked.

Made from sugar. Don't use for cooking – breaks down when heated.

Natural plant-based sweetener. The safest sweetener choice.