E-numbers in food — what they are, and a lookup for the UK list
Last reviewed: 22 May 2026
Look up any E-number on a UK food label. What each one is, what it does in the food, and whether published research has flagged it.
An E-number is a code for a food additive that has been assessed for use in food across the UK and EU. The "E" comes from "Europe"; the number identifies which additive it is. Colours start at E100, preservatives at E200, antioxidants at E300, thickeners and emulsifiers at E400, acidity regulators and anti-caking at E500, flavour enhancers at E600, and sweeteners and others at E900.
The number itself doesn't tell you whether something is natural or synthetic — E160a is beta-carotene from carrots, while E110 is a coal-tar dye called Sunset Yellow. What it tells you is that this substance has a regulatory ID and an assigned function in the food.
This page lists every E-number you'll see on UK food labels, with what each one is, what it does, and whether published research has flagged it. We don't tell you what's "safe" — the science evolves, and what reads safe today is sometimes flagged tomorrow. Use the search to look up the codes on a label.
Recent UK label changes worth knowing
The E-number list moves slowly compared to the headlines, but there are a few changes from the last couple of years that still catch people out at the shelf.
E171 (titanium dioxide) — banned in EU food since 7 August 2022 (Commission Regulation 2022/63). The UK retained the ban in domestic food law; you should not see E171 on any UK food label sold from 2023 onwards. It's still permitted in toothpaste and some medicines.
The Southampton Six colours (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129) — UK products containing any of these must carry the warning "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." The wording is mandatory, not editorial. Most major UK brands reformulated to avoid them after 2009; you'll still find them in some imported sweets, drinks and a handful of bakery items.
Aspartame (E951) — IARC reclassified it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) in July 2023. JECFA kept the existing 40 mg/kg/day ADI on the same day. The UK FSA reviewed and made no change to permitted use. Notable for context, not for a label change.
Quick reference: E-numbers cover colourings (E100-E199), preservatives (E200-E299), antioxidants (E300-E399), emulsifiers and stabilisers (E400-E499), acidity regulators (E500-E599), flavour enhancers (E600-E699), and sweeteners and others (E900-E999). The FSA is the UK regulator. Use our barcode scanner in the app to read every E-number off a product in seconds — free to download (NutraSafe Pro £3.99/month, iOS, for full features).
E-numbers are codes for food additives approved in the European Union and UK. This database provides detailed information about each additive, including safety information based on scientific research.
Colours (E100-E199)
Natural and synthetic food colourings
Natural yellow colour from turmeric. Used in butter, cheese, mustard.
EU/UK approvedSynthetic yellow dye. Linked to hyperactivity in children.
Consider AvoidingOrange-yellow synthetic dye. Similar concerns to tartrazine.
Use CautionBrown colour from heated sugar. Found in cola and sauces.
EU/UK approvedCaramel colour containing 4-MEI. Used in beer and soy sauce.
Use CautionThe "cola caramel" - highest 4-MEI levels but reformulated.
Use CautionNatural orange colour, precursor to vitamin A.
EU/UK approvedWhite colour BANNED in EU. UK still allows. DNA damage concerns.
Avoid If PossibleNatural mineral-based red/yellow/black colours.
EU/UK approvedSynthetic yellow dye. Linked to hyperactivity and asthma. Banned in US, Australia.
Consider AvoidingNatural red dye from crushed insects. Allergy risk. Not vegan.
Use CautionSynthetic red dye linked to hyperactivity. Banned in US, Sweden, Norway.
Consider AvoidingSynthetic red dye requiring UK warning label. Banned in US.
Consider AvoidingSynthetic red dye (Red 40) linked to hyperactivity in children.
Consider AvoidingSynthetic blue dye in sweets. Requires hyperactivity warning.
Caution for ChildrenSynthetic blue dye. Allergic reactions possible.
Use CautionSynthetic blue dye. Approved with established ADI.
EU/UK approvedNatural-derived green colour from plants.
EU/UK approvedBlack charcoal colour. Can interfere with medications.
Caution with MedsNatural orange-red colour from achiote seeds. Used in cheese.
EU/UK approvedPreservatives (E200-E299)
Extend shelf life by preventing microbial growth
Common preservative in soft drinks and pickles.
Use CautionPreservative in dried fruit and wine. May trigger asthma.
Use CautionPreservative in processed meats. Linked to health concerns.
Consider AvoidingCuring salt in dry-cured meats. Converts to nitrite in body.
Use CautionNatural preservative from rowan berries. No FSA concern flag.
EU/UK approvedPreservative in wine, cheese and baked goods. Very safe.
EU/UK approvedAntioxidants (E300-E399)
Prevent oxidation and rancidity
Vitamin C. Used as antioxidant in many foods.
Vitamin (EU/UK approved)Vitamin C sodium salt. Less acidic form in processed meats.
Vitamin (EU/UK approved)Vitamin E. Natural antioxidant in oils and fats.
Vitamin (EU/UK approved)Emulsifier from soy or sunflower. Found in chocolate.
EU/UK approvedSynthetic antioxidant banned in UK/EU. May be in imported foods.
Avoid (Banned in EU)Synthetic antioxidant classified as possible carcinogen by WHO.
AvoidSynthetic antioxidant with cancer concerns. Banned in Japan.
Use CautionNatural preservative from citrus fruits. No FSA concern flag.
EU/UK approvedAcidifier in cola drinks. Linked to bone and kidney concerns.
Use CautionEmulsifiers & Thickeners (E400-E499)
Stabilise texture and improve consistency
Sugar alcohol in sugar-free products. Laxative effect in large amounts.
Digestive CautionEmulsifier in chocolate. Safe but indicates lower quality.
EU/UK approvedSeaweed extract. Controversial due to gut inflammation concerns.
Use CautionNatural thickener from guar beans. Gluten-free, may aid digestion.
EU/UK approvedNatural thickener from fermentation. Gluten-free, vegan.
EU/UK approvedHumectant in cakes and icing.
EU/UK approvedNatural gelling agent from fruits. May lower cholesterol.
EU/UK approvedPhosphate salts in processed meats. Kidney concerns at high intake.
Use CautionEmulsifier in bread and cakes. Halal/vegan status varies by source.
EU/UK approvedRaising Agents (E500-E599)
Help baked goods rise
Flavour Enhancers (E600-E699)
Boost existing flavours in food
Sweeteners (E900-E999)
Low or zero-calorie sugar alternatives
Artificial sweetener in diet drinks. WHO: "possibly carcinogenic".
Use CautionZero-calorie sweetener with limited testing. Use in moderation.
Use CautionSweetener banned in US since 1969 due to cancer concerns.
AvoidOldest artificial sweetener. 1970s cancer scare was debunked.
Use CautionMade from sugar. Don't use for cooking – breaks down when heated.
Use CautionPlant-derived zero-calorie sweetener.
EU/UK approvedCheck E-Numbers Instantly
Want to know what E-numbers are in your food? Use our free barcode scanner to check any UK product instantly. The app identifies all additives and explains what each one does.
More E-numbers coming soon. We're building the most comprehensive UK E-numbers database with detailed safety information for every additive. Check back regularly for updates.
Related Reading
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