What this tool does

This interactive tool helps you identify E-numbers and food additives that may conflict with your dietary requirements, whether you follow a vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, gluten-free or other restricted diet. It creates a personalised list of additives to watch for when reading UK food labels.

The tool also explains why certain E-numbers might be problematic for your diet, helping you make informed decisions about the foods you buy and eat.

When to use it

Use this tool if you need to avoid certain additives due to religious beliefs, ethical choices, allergies or medical conditions. It is particularly helpful when you are unsure which E-numbers might be derived from animal sources, contain gluten, or include other ingredients that do not align with your dietary needs.

The tool is also useful if you want to understand general categories of additives to look out for, rather than memorising individual E-numbers.

How it works

You select your dietary restriction from the options provided and add any specific concerns you have. The tool then generates a focused list of up to 15 E-numbers to avoid, explains why each one conflicts with your diet, and highlights general categories to watch for on food packaging.

It also covers the challenge of additives that can be either plant or animal-derived depending on the manufacturer, and suggests when to contact companies directly for clarification. Nothing you enter is saved, and you do not need to create an account to use the tool.