Complete List of ENumbers

Originally written by Clare Birtles, updated by the editorial team on 12th April 2026

E numbers are codes for food additives assessed and approved for use in the UK and EU. The "E" stands for Europe. Each number identifies a specific substance: a colouring, preservative, emulsifier or something else. Not all E numbers are harmful, and many occur naturally. The system lets consumers identify exactly what has been added to their food.

The Food Standards Agency maintains the official list of approved additives and E numbers for the UK. The list below is a quick reference covering the main categories. For more detail on any category, follow the links to the relevant article.

What the E number ranges cover

E numbers are grouped by function:

E100 to E199: Colours added to replace colour lost during processing or to make products look more appealing. Some are natural (E100 curcumin, E160a carotene), others are synthetic dyes. Several synthetic colours, including E102 (tartrazine) and E110 (sunset yellow), have been linked to hyperactivity in children and must carry warning labels.
E200 to E299: Preservatives that extend shelf life by slowing the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts. Sulphites (E220 to E228) must be declared as they can trigger reactions in asthmatics. Nitrites and nitrates (E249 to E252) in cured meats are subject to ongoing health debate.
E300 to E399: Antioxidants prevent food from going rancid or discolouring. Many are familiar nutrients: ascorbic acid (E300, vitamin C) and tocopherols (E306 to E309, vitamin E). Acidity regulators such as citric acid (E330) control pH and are generally considered harmless.
E400 to E499: Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers give food its texture and prevent ingredients separating. Many come from natural sources: seaweed (E400 to E407), plant gums (E410 to E418) and pectin (E440). E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) can be from animal or plant sources.
E500 to E599: Acidity regulators and anti-caking agents are mostly simple mineral salts. Sodium bicarbonate (E500) is ordinary baking soda. Silicon dioxide (E551) prevents powdered foods from clumping.
E600 to E699: Flavour enhancers boost taste without adding a distinct flavour. The most well-known is monosodium glutamate (E621). E627 and E631 are sometimes derived from fish.
E900 to E999: A mixed category covering waxes and glazing agents (E901 beeswax, E903 carnauba wax, E904 shellac), flour treatment agents (E920 L-cysteine), and artificial sweeteners (E950 acesulfame K, E951 aspartame, E955 sucralose). E901 and E904 are not suitable for vegans.
E1000 to E1999: Modified starches, solvents and processing aids. Modified starches (E1400 to E1451) are widely used as thickeners in sauces, soups and ready meals. Most are derived from maize, potato or tapioca.

E Number Checker

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Additives that may need attention

Some E numbers require warning labels or are restricted. Synthetic colours E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 and E129 must carry a label stating they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. E171 (titanium dioxide) was banned as a food additive in the EU in 2022 and is under review in the UK.

Sulphites (E220 to E228) must be declared on labels as they can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Nitrites and nitrates (E249 to E252) in cured meats remain subject to health debate. BHA (E320) is classified as a possible carcinogen.

E441 (gelatin) and E120 (cochineal) are not suitable for vegetarians. E901 (beeswax) and E904 (shellac) are not suitable for vegans. E471 and E422 (glycerol) may be from animal or plant sources.

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

Where to find more information

The full official list is maintained by the Food Standards Agency and is updated as new additives are approved or existing ones reviewed. If you want to know whether a specific E number is suitable for vegetarians or vegans, see our guide to E numbers not suitable for vegetarians.

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 →

14 questions

Ask Explore E Numbers a Question

ExploreENumbers Editor 12/04/2026 at 9:38 am

@lovvbugg That's a brilliant suggestion! A color-coded system would make identifying additives much quicker and easier when shopping. We added this - thanks for the feedback and apologies for the massive delay!

lovvbugg 12/01/2021 at 7:43 pm

Your list is wonderful. It would be easier for me to use if it were color-coded. Like red for the top E numbers to avoid, orange for not-recommended but not as dangerous, yellow is hard to see but you could use it if you outlined the yellow box and put (yellow) in small letters underneath, green, even blue for recommended as additives that might make us healthier.

munro 29/05/2020 at 2:39 pm

do you know why the list of E numbers starts at 100 and not 001 - ie there are none below 100. I'd love to know!

Mags 29/05/2019 at 3:07 pm

I have been taking tamoxefin for almost three years, seven to go! I found the are less side effects with brands with no E numbers, but can’t always get the one that only has K25 no E numbers. I still have several side effects at leads four but. The E number ones upset my funny. Why? My chemist can’t always get the one in the green box that’s suites me best.
Thank you
Margaret

Georgia 22/04/2019 at 11:05 am

Where can I find the E numbers on a packet of chips or a pack of biscuits?

poppy 16/11/2018 at 7:50 am

on zemtard 240xl 240 mg have serious itching and not sleeping tablets have E132 E171 E172 are these the cause

M.Usman B.S 14/11/2018 at 1:34 pm

i want all my number list showing for me

ExploreENumbers Editor 01/03/2016 at 10:12 am

Allergic reactions are sometimes found with E110 but it is not banned in the UK.

verbatim889 27/02/2016 at 4:12 am

i was taking Xenalven XL 75mg tablets with the E110 sunset yellow in it and it has caused me to come out in a very severe itchy rash mostly on my legs but all over my body i.e head,face,belly,very bad on legs,feet,penis,hands,back,neck they itch until you make them bleed.

ExploreENumbers Editor 04/03/2015 at 12:30 pm

@TC. The only real way to find an answer to this would be via an allergy test or similar. Your GP will be able to give you more advice on this.

TC 28/02/2015 at 5:12 pm

My mum seems to have an immediate reaction ie; sensitivity in her gums whilst drinking latte.. Cld the E numbers listed in the packet be the cause of this? She doesnt add any extra sugar. The e numbers listed on the packet are: e535, e340, e331 & e452. She doesnt seem to have the same reaction when taking other hot drinks such as tea/coffee.

ExploreENumbers Editor 11/07/2014 at 12:50 pm

@mohammed. All ingredients do have to be on the label of most food products now.

mohammed 11/07/2014 at 7:54 am

I think that it is absolutely necessary that the origin of each e number (plant , animal or insect ) be clearly indicated on each product that it's used in. E numbers are very deceptive and actually hide the truth of the ingredients. Isn't it people's right that they should know what they could unwillingly be consuming or being fed.
Just a reminder that not everyone is okay with eating insect , animal and or plant ingredients.

Pat 17/10/2013 at 5:24 pm

When l first came across e numbers it was in squash,l was lead to believe high numbers are the ones to avoid.looking at the lists you show on other pages this doesnt seem to be
the case oxygen in the 900s,what l need to know is what to avoid generaly on a day to day basis with my grandson

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