Search about 250 common food additives by E-number, INS code or name, or paste an ingredient list to identify every additive in it. Each entry shows what the additive does, its other names (including US color names like Red 40) and notes such as animal origin, allergen links and regulatory restrictions.
Last updated:
Additive information is a general reference based on EU E-number and Codex INS lists, with US names for colors where they differ. Rules differ by country and change over time; check current regulations and the product label. Your text stays in your browser.
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How to use the E-Number Lookup
Type an E-number, INS code or name in the search box, for example E471, 415 or carrageenan.
Filter by function or show only animal-derived, allergen-related or restricted additives.
Switch to “Check an ingredient list” and paste a label's ingredients.
Review the highlighted additives and their cards with function and notes.
Copy the results or download the CSV for your records.
How E-numbers are grouped
Range
Main group
Examples
E100–E199
Colors
E100 curcumin, E129 allura red, E160a beta-carotene, E171 titanium dioxide
The grouping is a rule of thumb: an additive often has several functions, and its official role on a label depends on why it was added to that food.
Reading additives on a label
In the EU and many other countries, additives are listed by function plus name or number, for example “emulsifier (E322)” or “thickener: xanthan gum”.
In Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia, the number usually appears without the E, as in “flavour enhancer (621)”. This tool recognizes those too.
In the US, additives are listed by name; colors use their FD&C names, such as Yellow 5 (E102) or Red 40 (E129).
Sub-numbers such as E450(i) or E160b(ii) identify a specific form of the same additive group.
Allergens in additives must still be declared, for example “soy lecithin” or “lysozyme (egg)”, and sulfites above 10 mg/kg or 10 ppm.
Frequently asked questions
What is an E-number?
An E-number is a code for a food additive that has been evaluated and approved for use in the European Union. The “E” stands for Europe. The same numbers without the E are used worldwide as INS (International Numbering System) codes by the Codex Alimentarius.
Are E-numbers bad for you?
Not by default. Every E-number has passed a safety assessment for its permitted uses, and many are natural substances or nutrients, such as E300 (vitamin C), E330 (citric acid) or E160a (beta-carotene). Some people do avoid particular additives for allergy, dietary or personal reasons.
Which E-numbers are not vegetarian or vegan?
Always animal-derived: E120 (carmine, from insects), E542 (bone phosphate), E901 (beeswax), E904 (shellac), E913 (lanolin) and E1105 (lysozyme from egg). Others such as E422, E471, E472, E570, E631 and E920 may come from animal or plant sources, so check with the manufacturer.
Do US labels use E-numbers?
No. US ingredient lists use names instead, such as “citric acid” or “Red 40”. You will see E-numbers on European and many other imported products, and INS numbers on labels in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.
Which colors carry a warning in the EU?
Six azo and synthetic dyes, E102 tartrazine, E104 quinoline yellow, E110 sunset yellow, E122 azorubine, E124 ponceau 4R and E129 allura red, require the label note “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” in the EU.
Why isn't an E-number found?
This tool covers about 250 of the most common additives. Some codes are rare, used only in certain countries, enzymes or processing aids, or have been withdrawn. Sub-codes like E471 or E160a(ii) are matched to their main entry.
Is lactic acid (E270) dairy?
No. Despite the name, lactic acid is usually made by fermenting sugars from corn or beets and contains no milk protein, so it is suitable for people with a milk allergy. The same applies to lactates such as E325 and E327.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.