E-Numbers Reference
A comprehensive guide to food additives used in the food industry, identified by their E-number codes.
Each food additive is assigned a unique number, following the format 'E' followed by three or four digits. These are grouped by function:
- E100-E199: Colors
- E200-E299: Preservatives
- E300-E399: Antioxidants, acidity regulators
- E400-E499: Thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers
- E500-E599: Acidity regulators, anti-caking agents
- E600-E699: Flavor enhancers
- E900-E999: Miscellaneous additives (sweeteners, foaming agents, glazing agents)
- E1000+: Additional chemicals and additives
Yellow-orange color
Natural color derived from turmeric
Yellow color
Yellow color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children, asthma, and allergic reactions
Yellow color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children
Orange-yellow color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children, allergic reactions
Red color
Extracted from cochineal insects
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions
Red color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children
Red color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children, allergic reactions
Red color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children
Blue color
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, banned in some countries
Blue color
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in rare cases
Blue color
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in rare cases
Green color
Natural color derived from plants
Brown color
Produced by heating sugar
Brown color
Caramel produced with sulfite compounds
Brown color
Caramel produced with ammonia compounds
Brown color
Caramel produced with sulfite and ammonia compounds
Concerns: May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen
Black color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children, banned in some countries
Black color
Concerns: Banned in many countries due to potential carcinogenic properties
Black color
Charcoal from vegetable sources
Brown color
Concerns: Banned in many countries, only permitted in UK for specific uses
Brown color
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children
Orange-yellow color
Natural carotenes from plants, precursor to Vitamin A
Yellow-orange color
Natural color from annatto seeds
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Red-orange color
Natural color from paprika peppers
Red color
Natural red pigment found in tomatoes
Orange color
Orange color
Yellow color
Natural yellow pigment from plants
Yellow color
Natural yellow pigment, important for eye health
Yellow-orange color
Natural pigment found in fruits and vegetables
Yellow color
Natural yellow pigment
Yellow color
Natural yellow pigment from plants
Red color
Natural red pigment
Orange-red color
Used in fish farming and poultry to enhance color
Concerns: High doses may cause retinal deposits
Red-purple color
Natural color from beetroot
Red, purple, blue colors
Natural pigments from fruits and vegetables like grapes and berries
White color, anti-caking agent
Natural mineral, also used as calcium supplement
White color
Widely used white pigment
Concerns: Under review for potential health effects, banned in France
Yellow, red, brown, black colors
Natural mineral pigments
Silver color
Metallic coloring for decorative purposes
Concerns: Limited use, potential aluminum accumulation concerns
Silver color
Precious metal used for decorative coloring
Gold color
Precious metal used for decorative coloring
Red color
Only permitted for coloring cheese rinds
Brown color, clarifying agent
Natural compounds from plants, also used in wine making
Red-purple color
Natural dye from lichens
Preservative against fungi and yeasts
Preservative against fungi and yeasts
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in people with asthma or sensitive to aspirin
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Concerns: May cause hyperactivity in some children when combined with certain colors
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative in meats
Concerns: May form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines
Preservative in meats
Concerns: May form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines
Preservative against fungi and yeasts
Preservative against fungi and yeasts
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in people with asthma or sensitive to aspirin
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in people with asthma or sensitive to aspirin
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Ethyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Sodium ethyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Propyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Sodium propyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Methyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative against bacteria and fungi
Sodium methyl paraben
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential endocrine disruption
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Preservative and antioxidant
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, particularly in asthmatics
Fungicide for citrus fruits
Surface treatment for citrus peels
Concerns: Potential carcinogen, banned for food use in many countries
Fungicide for citrus fruits
Surface treatment for citrus peels
Concerns: Potential carcinogen, restricted use
Fungicide for citrus fruits
Surface treatment for citrus peels
Concerns: Potential carcinogen, restricted use
Fungicide for fruits
Surface treatment for fruits, especially bananas and citrus
Concerns: Potential reproductive toxicity
Preservative against bacteria
Natural antibiotic produced by bacteria, used in cheese and canned foods
Antifungal preservative
Natural antifungal agent, used on cheese surfaces and dried sausages
Preservative
Found naturally in ant venom and some plants
Concerns: Corrosive, limited food use
Preservative
Concerns: Limited food use
Preservative
Concerns: Limited food use
Preservative
Used in some countries for specific applications
Concerns: May form formaldehyde, restricted use
Preservative for beverages
Used in wine, fruit juices, and soft drinks
Preservative in meats
Concerns: May form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines
Preservative in meats
Also known as saltpeter
Concerns: May form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines
Preservative, acidity regulator
Main component of vinegar
Preservative, acidity regulator
Preservative, acidity regulator
Preservative, acidity regulator
Preservative, acidity regulator
Naturally produced by fermentation
Preservative against mold
Particularly effective in baked goods
Preservative against mold
Commonly used in bread and baked goods
Preservative against mold
Commonly used in bread and baked goods
Preservative against mold
Used in baked goods and dairy products
Preservative
Concerns: Banned in most countries for food use due to toxicity
Preservative
Concerns: Banned in most countries for food use due to toxicity
Preservative, carbonating agent
Used to create carbonated beverages and as packaging gas
Acidity regulator, preservative
Naturally found in apples, gives tart flavor
Acidity regulator, preservative
Used in baked goods and beverages
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Antioxidant, particularly for oils and fats
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: Potential carcinogen, banned in some countries
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential hormonal effects
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Sodium salt of Vitamin C
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Calcium salt of Vitamin C
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salt of Vitamin C
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate
Antioxidant, Vitamin E supplement
Synthetic form of Vitamin E
Antioxidant, Vitamin E
Natural form of Vitamin E
Antioxidant, Vitamin E
Natural form of Vitamin E from vegetable oils
Antioxidant, Vitamin E
Natural form of Vitamin E
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions, potential stomach irritation
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions
Antioxidant
Natural resin from guaiacum wood, limited use
Antioxidant, preservative
Synthetic isomer of ascorbic acid, used in meat products
Antioxidant, preservative
Sodium salt of erythorbic acid, used in cured meats
Antioxidant
Alternative name for erythorbic acid
Antioxidant
Alternative name for sodium erythorbate
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Concerns: May cause nausea and vomiting in large amounts, banned in some countries
Antioxidant, emulsifier
Natural phospholipids from soybeans, sunflower, or egg yolk
Antioxidant
Synthetic antioxidant, limited use
Antioxidant
Concerns: Banned for human food use in many countries, used in animal feed
Antioxidant, preservative, humectant
Sodium salt of lactic acid
Antioxidant, preservative, acidity regulator
Potassium salt of lactic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, firming agent
Calcium salt of lactic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Ammonium salt of lactic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Magnesium salt of lactic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, preservative
Naturally found in citrus fruits, widely used
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, emulsifier
Sodium salts of citric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salts of citric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, firming agent
Calcium salts of citric acid, also used as calcium supplement
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Natural acid from grapes, used in wine making
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Sodium salts of tartaric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salts of tartaric acid, cream of tartar
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Rochelle salt, mixed sodium-potassium tartrate
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Commonly used in cola drinks
Concerns: May interfere with calcium absorption in large amounts
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, emulsifier
Various sodium phosphate salts
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Various potassium phosphate salts
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, anti-caking agent
Various calcium phosphate salts, also used as calcium supplement
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Various ammonium phosphate salts
Antioxidant, acidity regulator, anti-caking agent
Various magnesium phosphate salts
Antioxidant, emulsifier
Citric acid ester of lecithin
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Magnesium salt of citric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Sodium salts of malic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salt of malic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Calcium salts of malic acid
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Used in wine making to prevent tartrate precipitation
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Calcium salt of tartaric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Used in powdered drinks and gelatin desserts
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Sodium salt of adipic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salt of adipic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Calcium salt of adipic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Ammonium salt of adipic acid
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Sodium salt of gluconic acid, chelating agent
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Potassium salt of gluconic acid
Antioxidant, sequestrant, calcium supplement
Calcium salt of gluconic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Natural organic acid, used as flavor enhancer
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Sodium salt of fumaric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Potassium salt of fumaric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Calcium salt of fumaric acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Ammonium salt of fumaric acid
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Calcium salt of lactobionic acid
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Synthetic antioxidant, limited use
Antioxidant
Synthetic antioxidant, very limited use
Antioxidant
Calcium salt of phenylpropionic acid
Antioxidant
Potassium salt of phenylpropionic acid
Antioxidant
Sodium salt of phenylpropionic acid
Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
Vitamin B3, used as nutrient and antioxidant
Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
Vitamin B3 amide form, niacinamide
Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
Sodium salt of nicotinic acid
Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
Calcium salt of nicotinic acid
Antioxidant, vitamin supplement
Ammonium salt of nicotinic acid
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Ammonium salt of citric acid
Antioxidant, iron supplement
Iron supplement and antioxidant
Antioxidant, calcium supplement
Calcium and phosphorus supplement
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Synthetic antioxidant for oil preservation
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Chelating agent that prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation
Concerns: May interfere with mineral absorption
Antioxidant, sequestrant
EDTA, chelating agent
Concerns: May interfere with mineral absorption
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Synthetic antioxidant for fats
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Synthetic antioxidant, limited use
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Synthetic antioxidant for oil preservation
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Synthetic antioxidant for oil preservation
Antioxidant, sequestrant
Natural compound found in grains and legumes
Concerns: May interfere with mineral absorption
Natural antioxidant
Natural antioxidant extract from rosemary herb
Natural antioxidant
Natural antioxidant extract from sage herb
Natural antioxidant
Natural antioxidant extract from oregano herb
Natural antioxidant
Natural antioxidant extract from thyme herb
Natural antioxidant, Vitamin E complex
Natural mixture of tocopherols from vegetable oils
Antioxidant, preservative
Synthetic antioxidant used to prevent browning in seafood
Concerns: Limited use, potential skin sensitizer
Antioxidant for fats and oils
Synthetic antioxidant for oil preservation
Thickening and gelling agent
Derived from seaweed
Thickener and stabilizer
Derived from carob seeds
Thickener and stabilizer
Derived from guar beans
Thickener and stabilizer
Produced by fermentation of sugar
Sweetener, solvent, humectant
Gelling agent, thickener
Derived from fruit
Thickener and stabilizer
Emulsifier, anti-caking agent
Commonly known as soap
Emulsifier, anti-caking agent
Emulsifier, anti-caking agent
General category for various fatty acid salts
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Very commonly used in baked goods, margarine, and ice cream
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Emulsifier, antioxidant
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Commonly used in bread and baked goods
Emulsifier
Used in chocolate, baked goods, and dairy products
Emulsifier
Emulsifier
Used in margarine, chocolate, and baked goods
Emulsifier
Commonly used in chocolate to reduce viscosity
Emulsifier
Used in cakes, desserts, and whipped toppings
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Complex emulsifier for bakery applications
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Modified monoglycerides for enhanced emulsification in baked goods
Emulsifier, wetting agent
Synthetic surfactant, limited food use
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Widely used in bread and baked goods
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Used in bread, pasta, and baked goods
Emulsifier
Used in chocolate, margarine, and baked goods
Emulsifier
Emulsifier
Emulsifier
Emulsifier
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Derived from brown seaweed
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Sodium salt of alginic acid, used in molecular gastronomy
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Potassium salt of alginic acid
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Ammonium salt of alginic acid
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Calcium salt of alginic acid, forms strong gels
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Modified alginate for improved stability
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Extracted from red seaweed, widely used in dairy products
Concerns: Degraded carrageenan may cause digestive issues
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Semi-refined carrageenan from specific seaweed
Thickener, stabilizer
Beta-glucan from baker's yeast cell walls
Thickener, stabilizer
Natural gum from larch trees
Thickener, stabilizer
Beta-glucan extracted from oats
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Natural gum from Astragalus plants
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Natural gum from Acacia trees, widely used
Thickener, stabilizer
Natural gum from Sterculia trees
Thickener, stabilizer
Natural gum from tara tree seeds
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent
Produced by bacterial fermentation
Sweetener, humectant, stabilizer
Sugar alcohol, also used as bulking agent
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Sweetener, anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Sugar alcohol, naturally found in many plants
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Chemically modified gum arabic for improved properties
Thickener, gelling agent
Beta-glucan produced by bacterial fermentation
Thickener, gelling agent
Glucomannan from konjac root, very low calorie
Thickener, stabilizer
Fiber extract from soybeans
Thickener, stabilizer
Natural gum from cassia tree seeds
Gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer
Protein derived from animal collagen
Concerns: Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans, religious restrictions
Stabilizer, protein supplement
Protein hydrolysates from various sources
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier for bakery products
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier with different chain length
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Widely used synthetic emulsifier
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Very common synthetic emulsifier in processed foods
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier for various food applications
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier commonly used in baked goods
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier for specific applications
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier for oil-based products
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Specialized synthetic emulsifier
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Synthetic emulsifier for specific formulations
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Modified oil for emulsification purposes
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Modified lecithin for chocolate and confectionery
Stabilizer for citrus flavoring
Used to keep citrus flavoring suspended in beverages
Concerns: Banned in many countries due to health concerns, contains bromine
Stabilizer for flavoring oils
Alternative to brominated vegetable oil
Stabilizer for citrus oils
Natural resin-based stabilizer for beverages
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Modified monoglycerides for improved functionality
Stabilizer, emulsifier, raising agent
Various sodium and potassium diphosphates
Stabilizer, emulsifier, sequestrant
Various sodium and potassium triphosphates
Stabilizer, emulsifier, sequestrant
Long-chain phosphates for meat and seafood processing
Anti-foaming agent, stabilizer
Silicone-based anti-foam agent used in frying oils and beverages
Concerns: Generally considered safe, but some prefer to avoid synthetic silicones
Anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Prevents clumping in powdered foods
Anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Prevents caking in salt and powdered foods
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit aluminum intake
Anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Anti-caking agent for powdered foods
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit aluminum intake
Stabilizer, encapsulating agent
Cyclic sugar molecule for flavor protection and stabilization
Stabilizer, encapsulating agent
Larger cyclic sugar molecule for encapsulation of larger molecules
Stabilizer, encapsulating agent
Cyclic sugar molecule for flavor and nutrient protection
Thickener, anti-caking agent, bulking agent
Natural plant fiber, microcrystalline cellulose
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Modified cellulose, forms gels when heated
Thickener, stabilizer, coating agent
Modified cellulose for specialized applications
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Modified cellulose with improved properties
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Widely used modified cellulose, vegetarian gelatin substitute
Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Modified cellulose for specific applications
Thickener, stabilizer
Sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose
Thickener, stabilizer
Modified CMC with enhanced stability
Thickener, stabilizer
Enzyme-modified CMC for improved functionality
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Complex emulsifier for bakery applications
Emulsifier, release agent
Modified soybean oil for non-stick applications
Emulsifier, wetting agent
Synthetic surfactant, limited food use
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Widely used in bread and baked goods
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Used in bread, pasta, and baked goods
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Synthetic emulsifier for bakery products
Emulsifier, antioxidant
Dual-function emulsifier and antioxidant
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Synthetic emulsifier for bread improvement
Emulsifier, dough conditioner
Calcium version of stearoyl fumarate
Emulsifier, foaming agent
Synthetic surfactant, limited food use
Concerns: Primarily used in cosmetics, limited food applications
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Modified glycerides for enhanced emulsification
Emulsifier, surfactant
Natural-based emulsifier from coconut oil
Solvent, humectant, stabilizer
Propylene glycol, widely used solvent and humectant
Emulsifier
Synthetic emulsifier for oil-based products
Emulsifier, antifoaming agent
Synthetic block copolymers for specialized applications
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Modified polyglycerol esters for improved functionality
Stabilizer, cholesterol-lowering agent
Plant sterols with potential health benefits
Emulsifier, stabilizer, dough conditioner
Complex emulsifier for improved bread texture
Emulsifier, release agent
Modified oil for baking applications
Acidity regulator, raising agent
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Acidity regulator, stabilizer
Potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate
Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent
General carbonates for pH control
Raising agent, acidity regulator
Ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate, used in baking
Anti-caking agent, acidity regulator
Magnesium carbonate and magnesium bicarbonate
Acidity regulator, iron supplement
Iron carbonate, used as nutritional supplement
Acidity regulator
Strong acid for pH adjustment in processed foods
Concerns: Highly corrosive, used in very small amounts
Acidity regulator, salt substitute
Used as low-sodium salt alternative and pH regulator
Firming agent, acidity regulator
Used to maintain firmness in canned vegetables and fruits
Acidity regulator, yeast nutrient
Used in baking and as yeast nutrient in fermentation
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Used in tofu production and as firming agent
Antioxidant, acidity regulator
Tin chloride, used in canned foods as antioxidant
Concerns: Contains tin, limited use due to potential toxicity
Acidity regulator
Strong acid for pH adjustment in food processing
Concerns: Highly corrosive, used in very controlled amounts
Acidity regulator, diluent
Sodium sulfate and sodium bisulfate for pH control
Acidity regulator, salt substitute
Potassium sulfate and potassium bisulfate
Firming agent, acidity regulator, flour treatment
Gypsum, used in baking and as calcium supplement
Acidity regulator, yeast nutrient
Used in baking and fermentation processes
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Epsom salt, used in brewing and food processing
Acidity regulator, preservative
Copper sulfate, limited use in food processing
Concerns: Contains copper, potential toxicity in large amounts
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Used in pickling and food processing
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Sodium alum, used in baking powder and pickling
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Potassium alum, used in baking and food processing
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Ammonium alum, used in baking powder
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Acidity regulator
Caustic soda, strong alkali for pH adjustment
Concerns: Highly caustic, used in very controlled amounts
Acidity regulator
Caustic potash, strong alkali for pH control
Concerns: Highly caustic, used in very controlled amounts
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Lime water, used in corn processing and pickling
Acidity regulator
Ammonia solution, used in food processing
Concerns: Strong alkali, controversial use in some applications
Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent
Milk of magnesia, used as pH regulator and antacid
Acidity regulator, flour treatment
Quicklime, used in food processing and flour treatment
Concerns: Highly caustic, requires careful handling
Anti-caking agent, acidity regulator
Magnesia, used to prevent caking and regulate pH
Anti-caking agent
Used to prevent caking in salt
Concerns: Contains cyanide compound, but considered safe in small amounts
Anti-caking agent
Used to prevent caking in salt and wine fining
Concerns: Contains cyanide compound, but considered safe in small amounts
Anti-caking agent
Prussian blue, used as anti-caking agent
Concerns: Contains cyanide compound, very limited use
Anti-caking agent
Used to prevent caking in salt
Concerns: Contains cyanide compound, but considered safe in small amounts
Acidity regulator, emulsifier, stabilizer
Calcium phosphate, used in baking powder and processed foods
Acidity regulator, raising agent
Used in baking powder and self-rising flour
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Anti-caking agent, calcium supplement
Calcium phosphate from bones, used as supplement
Emulsifier, stabilizer, acidity regulator
Complex phosphate for processed foods
Emulsifier, stabilizer, acidity regulator
Long-chain calcium phosphates
Emulsifier, acidity regulator
Ammonium salts of polyphosphoric acid
Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent
Magnesium salt of pyrophosphoric acid
Acidity regulator, emulsifier
Used in processed meats and baking
Acidity regulator, firming agent
Mixed calcium salt for food processing
Acidity regulator, preservative
Limited use in food processing
Concerns: Potential toxicity, very restricted use
Anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Water glass, used in food processing
Anti-caking agent
Silica, widely used to prevent caking in powdered foods
Anti-caking agent, stabilizer
Used in powdered foods and table salt
Anti-caking agent, dusting powder
Talc, used to prevent sticking and caking
Concerns: Must be asbestos-free, some prefer to avoid
Anti-caking agent, release agent
Natural mineral used in food processing
Concerns: Must be asbestos-free, controversial use
Anti-caking agent
Used in salt and powdered foods
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Anti-caking agent
Used in powdered foods and cosmetics
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Anti-caking agent
Used in powdered foods
Concerns: Contains aluminum, some prefer to limit intake
Anti-caking agent
Limited use in food applications
Anti-caking agent, clarifying agent
Natural clay used in wine making and food processing
Anti-caking agent
Natural clay, limited food use
Concerns: Contains aluminum, restricted use
Emulsifier, anti-caking agent
Stearic acid and other fatty acids
Anti-caking agent, emulsifier
Widely used anti-caking agent in supplements and foods
Acidity regulator, sequestrant
Slow-release acidulant used in baking and meat processing
Acidity regulator, sequestrant
Chelating agent and pH regulator
Acidity regulator, sequestrant
Potassium supplement and pH regulator
Acidity regulator, calcium supplement
Calcium supplement and firming agent
Acidity regulator, iron supplement
Iron supplement and color stabilizer
Acidity regulator, magnesium supplement
Magnesium supplement and pH regulator
Acidity regulator, iron supplement
Iron supplement and color stabilizer in olives
Flavor enhancer
Concerns: May cause headaches, flushing, and sweating in some individuals
Flavor enhancer
Flavor enhancer
Flavor enhancer
Natural amino acid, precursor to MSG
Flavor enhancer
Potassium salt of glutamic acid
Flavor enhancer
Calcium salt of glutamic acid
Flavor enhancer
Ammonium salt of glutamic acid
Flavor enhancer
Magnesium salt of glutamic acid
Flavor enhancer
Natural nucleotide found in mushrooms and fish
Flavor enhancer
Sodium salt of guanylic acid, often used with MSG
Flavor enhancer
Potassium salt of guanylic acid
Flavor enhancer
Calcium salt of guanylic acid
Flavor enhancer
Natural nucleotide found in meat and fish
Flavor enhancer
Potassium salt of inosinic acid
Flavor enhancer
Calcium salt of inosinic acid
Flavor enhancer
Calcium salt of mixed ribonucleotides
Flavor enhancer
Natural compound with caramel-like flavor, found in roasted malt
Flavor enhancer
Synthetic version of maltol, stronger and sweeter than maltol
Flavor enhancer
Amino acid with sweet taste, used as flavor modifier
Flavor enhancer
Essential amino acid used as flavor enhancer
Flavor enhancer, nutritional supplement
Essential amino acid, enhances protein flavors
Flavor enhancer, nutritional supplement
Zinc salt used to enhance metallic flavors and as supplement
Artificial sweetener
Concerns: Limited evidence suggests possible carcinogenic effects
Artificial sweetener
Concerns: Controversial, some studies link to headaches and other symptoms
Artificial sweetener
Artificial sweetener
Natural sweetener
Derived from the Stevia plant
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts, toxic to dogs
Artificial sweetener
Cyclamates, banned in some countries including USA
Concerns: Banned in USA and some other countries due to potential health risks
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Sugar substitute derived from sucrose
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Artificial sweetener
High-intensity sweetener, not widely approved
Natural sweetener, flavor enhancer
Protein sweetener from African katemfe fruit
Natural sweetener, flavor enhancer
Extract from licorice root, 50 times sweeter than sugar
Concerns: May cause high blood pressure and potassium loss in large amounts
Artificial sweetener, flavor enhancer
Derived from citrus fruits, intense sweetener
Artificial sweetener
High-intensity sweetener, derivative of aspartame
Artificial sweetener
Combination of aspartame and acesulfame K
Low-calorie sweetener
Natural sugar found in dairy products, 90% sweetness of sugar
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Mixture of sorbitol, maltitol and other sugar alcohols
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Sugar alcohol derived from lactose
Concerns: May cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
Sugar alcohol sweetener
Natural sugar alcohol, 70% sweetness of sugar, zero calories
Concerns: Generally well tolerated, may cause mild digestive effects in very large amounts
Artificial sweetener
High-intensity sweetener, 20,000 times sweeter than sugar