E Numbers Database

How E-Number Categories Work

Every E-number falls within a specific range that tells you what type of additive it is. Understanding these categories makes it much easier to read ingredient lists and spot what role each additive plays in a product. The numbering system was established by the European Commission and is still used across the UK following Brexit.

• E100 – E199: Colours — Dyes and pigments that change the appearance of food. Includes natural options like E100 (curcumin) and synthetic ones like E129 (Allura Red), which carries an FSA warning for children’s behaviour.
• E200 – E299: Preservatives — Added to extend shelf life by preventing bacterial or fungal growth. E200 (sorbic acid) and E250 (sodium nitrite, used in bacon and ham) are among the most common in UK foods.
• E300 – E399: Antioxidants — Prevent fats and oils from going rancid. E300 is simply ascorbic acid (vitamin C), while E330 (citric acid) is one of the most widely used additives in the world.
• E400 – E499: Thickeners, stabilisers & emulsifiers — Give products their texture and consistency. E412 (guar gum), E415 (xanthan gum), and E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) appear in everything from ice cream to sliced bread.
• E500 – E599: pH regulators & anti-caking agents — Control acidity and stop powders clumping. E500 (sodium bicarbonate) is ordinary baking soda; E551 (silicon dioxide) keeps table salt flowing freely.
• E600 – E699: Flavour enhancers — Boost or modify taste. E621 (monosodium glutamate / MSG) is the best-known, commonly found in crisps, stock cubes, and ready meals.
• E900 – E999: Sweeteners & miscellaneous — Includes intense sweeteners like E951 (aspartame), E950 (acesulfame K), and E955 (sucralose), plus glazing agents and propellants.

Knowing the category of an E-number can help you make quicker decisions at the supermarket. If you want to avoid artificial colours, focus on the E100 range. If you are checking for preservatives in cured meats, look at E200–E299. NutraSafe’s barcode scanner does this automatically, flagging each additive with its category, safety rating, and any allergen or dietary concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions