E600: E699 Flavour Enhancers

What are E600 to E699 flavour enhancers?

The E numbers ranging from 600 to 699 are classified as flavour enhancers. These additives work differently from flavourings: rather than introducing a new taste, they boost the natural flavours already present in food and drink.

Think of them as amplifiers. They make existing tastes more noticeable without changing what the food actually tastes like. This makes them useful for manufacturers who want to deliver stronger flavour without adding extra ingredients.

Like other E numbers, flavour enhancers in this range can be derived from natural sources or produced synthetically. Some originate from plant materials or fermentation processes, while others are made through chemical synthesis. Both types must meet the same safety standards before they can be used in food sold in the UK.

E Number Checker

Enter an E number or ingredient and find out if it is halal, vegan, or contains animal products. Takes seconds.

Try our E Number Checker free, here on this site →

Where you will find them

Flavour enhancers appear in a wide variety of processed foods, both savoury and sweet. You may come across them in:

• Crisps and snack foods
• Soups, including packet and tinned varieties
• Ready meals and pre-cooked rice
• Sausages, pork pies and other meat products
• Gravy granules and cooking sauces
• Some breads and baked goods

Checking the ingredients list will tell you whether a product contains any E600 series additives. Manufacturers must list them by their E number or full name.

Salt is perhaps the most widely used flavour enhancer of all, though it sits outside this classification system. It has been used for centuries to bring out taste in food, and most people recognise its effect even if they do not think of it as an additive.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Monosodium glutamate: the well known one

E621, commonly known as monosodium glutamate or MSG, is probably the most recognised flavour enhancer in this group. It was first isolated in 1908 by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda, who extracted it from a type of seaweed called laminaria japonica.

Today, MSG is typically produced through bacterial fermentation of sugars rather than seaweed extraction. The resulting white crystalline powder is used globally in processed foods and restaurant cooking.

MSG has attracted more debate than most additives. During the late twentieth century, some people reported headaches, flushing or other symptoms after eating foods containing it. This collection of reported effects became known informally as "Chinese restaurant syndrome," though the term is now considered outdated and inaccurate.

Scientific reviews conducted over several decades have generally found no consistent evidence linking MSG to these symptoms in controlled studies. The Food Standards Agency in the UK, along with the European Food Safety Authority, considers MSG safe for consumption at normal dietary levels. However, some individuals may prefer to avoid it based on their own experience or preferences.

Safety and regulation in the UK

All food additives approved for use in the UK, including flavour enhancers, must undergo safety assessments. The Food Standards Agency oversees food additive regulations and works with scientific advisory committees to review evidence on safety.

Manufacturers must follow rules on which additives can be used in specific food categories and at what levels. These regulations aim to ensure that additives serve a genuine purpose and do not pose risks to consumers when used as intended.

If you want detailed information about specific additives or current UK food regulations, the Food Standards Agency website provides guidance. For broader questions about food labelling requirements, GOV.UK holds official information on what manufacturers must declare on packaging.

Most people consume flavour enhancers regularly without giving them much thought. Whether you choose to limit your intake or simply want to understand what goes into your food, knowing what these E numbers do can help you make informed choices at the supermarket.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our E Number Checker lets you enter an E number or ingredient and find out if it is halal, vegan, or contains animal products. Takes seconds. Try it now →