Check food additives and E-numbers

Each entry explains what an additive is, where it is used, and how it is safety graded. You can also review possible side effects and how regulators in the EU, US, and other markets classify it. The grading system shows whether an additive is GREEN (Safe), ORANGE (Some Concerns), or RED (Unsafe/Banned)

Recent additives

  • E514 – Sodium sulphates

    E514 – Sodium sulphates

    E514 sodium sulphates covers sodium sulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfate, acidity regulators used in some processed foods. They are generally considered safe at normal food-use levels, but high intake can loosen stools or irritate sensitive…

  • E331 – Sodium citrates

    E331 – Sodium citrates

    E331 sodium citrates are used as acidity regulators, buffers, and emulsifying salts. They are generally safe at normal food-use levels, with caution mainly for high supplemental intake or sodium restriction.

  • E261 – Potassium acetate

    E261 – Potassium acetate

    E261 potassium acetate is an acidity regulator and preservative from the acetate family. It is generally considered low risk at normal food-use levels, though very high intake may irritate the stomach and matters more for…

  • E213 – Calcium benzoate

    E213 – Calcium benzoate

    E213 calcium benzoate is a benzoate preservative used in acidic foods and drinks. It remains allowed, but indirect behaviour, sensitivity, and benzene-formation concerns support an ORANGE rating.

  • E481 – Sodium stearoyl lactylate

    E481 – Sodium stearoyl lactylate

    E481 sodium stearoyl lactylate is a bread and bakery emulsifier that remains allowed, but exposure and newer gut microbiome concerns support an ORANGE rating.

  • E433 – Polysorbate 80

    E433 – Polysorbate 80

    E433 polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used to keep fat and water mixed in foods such as ice cream and sauces. It remains permitted, but recurring gut and microbiome concerns justify an ORANGE rating.

  • E336 – Potassium tartrates

    E336 – Potassium tartrates

    E336 potassium tartrates, including monopotassium tartrate and dipotassium tartrate, are acidity regulators generally considered safe at normal food-use levels.

Browse by category

Icon for colours additive category.

Colours

Colours are additives used to restore, enhance, or standardise the appearance of food and drinks.

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Preservatives

Preservatives help slow spoilage by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and extending shelf life.

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Antioxidants and acidity regulators

These additives help prevent oxidation, maintain freshness, and control the acidity or alkalinity of food.

Icon for thickeners stabilisers and emulsifiers additive category.

Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers

These additives improve texture, keep ingredients evenly mixed, and help foods maintain a consistent structure.

Icon for ph regulators and anti caking agents.

pH regulators and anti caking agents

These additives adjust acidity and help powders or granules stay free-flowing instead of clumping together.

Icon for flavour enhancers additive category.

Flavour enhancers

Flavour enhancers are used to intensify or round out existing taste without necessarily adding a distinct flavour of their own.

Icon for antibiotics additive category.

Antibiotics

This category includes substances historically used in limited food-related contexts to inhibit bacterial growth.

Icon for glazing agents gases and sweereners additive category.

Glazing agents, gases and sweeteners

These additives provide shine, assist with packaging or processing, and add sweetness with or without sugar.

Icon for additional additives category.

Additional additives

Additional additives include specialised substances that do not fit neatly into the main standard additive groups.

Browse by safety grade

Green grain dots symbol for safe food additive (E number classification – GREEN level).

GREEN

Generally recognized as safe, widely accepted without controversy.

Orange grain dots symbol for food additive with some concerns (E number classification – ORANGE level).

ORANGE

Additives still legally allowed in the EU/US but controversial, restricted in some contexts, or under scientific debate.

Red grain dots symbol for unsafe food additive (E number classification – RED level).

RED

Only for additives that are banned or clearly unsafe based on strong scientific consensus.

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