A Nutrition Diet Guide: What E numbers contain pork and other animal derivatives?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to numerous dietary guidance organizations, identifying food additives of animal origin is a common challenge for consumers with specific dietary requirements. This guide addresses the critical question: What E numbers contain pork and how can you confidently read food labels to avoid them?

Quick Summary

This article explains which E numbers are definitively animal-derived, those with potentially ambiguous sources, and offers strategies for identifying additives that may contain pork. It details common emulsifiers and gelling agents to watch for, emphasizing the importance of checking for vegan, kosher, or halal certification.

Key Points

Gelatin (E441) is a High-Risk E-Number: As it's frequently derived from pork collagen, it's a key additive to avoid for those seeking a pork-free diet.
Emulsifiers (E470-E483) are Ambiguous: Additives like E471 can be either plant- or animal-derived, making their source uncertain without further verification.
Check for Certifications: The clearest way to ensure a product is free from pork or other animal derivatives is to look for official halal, kosher, or vegan certification marks on the label.
Contact the Manufacturer for Clarity: For products with ambiguous E-numbers and no certification, contacting the manufacturer is the most direct way to determine the ingredient's source.
Plant-Based Alternatives are Available: For common animal-derived additives like gelatin, effective plant-based alternatives such as agar-agar (E406) or pectin exist and are widely used.
Beyond E-Numbers: Besides E-numbers, full ingredient lists should be scrutinized for non-certified products, as certain ingredients may be processed with animal-derived aids that are not listed.
Awareness is Your Best Tool: Becoming aware of the most common and ambiguous E-numbers empowers you to make informed decisions and better control your dietary intake.

Deciphering E-Numbers: An Introduction

E-numbers are codes used to identify food additives approved for use within the European Union, a system also recognized globally. They are added to food for various technical purposes, such as preservation, coloring, thickening, or emulsifying. While some E-numbers are derived from plants or are synthetic, many have animal origins, and their source is not always specified on the label. For those following a halal, kosher, or vegetarian diet, understanding the potential animal sources of these additives is essential for informed purchasing.

E-Numbers Definitely Derived from Animal Sources

Certain E-numbers are almost always derived from animal sources and should be avoided by anyone seeking to exclude animal products, including pork.

E441 (Gelatin): This gelling agent comes from animal collagen, often including pork. It is used in various food products.
E542 (Edible Bone Phosphate): Sourced from ground animal bones, which may include pork.
E920 (L-Cysteine): A flour improver from animal hair or feathers.
E913 (Lanolin): A wax from sheep's wool used in Vitamin D3 production.

E-Numbers with Ambiguous or Potentially Pork-Based Sources

Many E-numbers can be derived from either animal or plant sources. These are considered doubtful, and their suitability depends on their origin. Certification or contacting the manufacturer is necessary to confirm the source.

Emulsifiers (E470-E483): These additives help mix ingredients like oil and water. While often plant-based, they can also come from animal fats, including pork, such as E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids). Source confirmation is needed without specific certification.
Glycerol/Glycerine (E422): This additive can be sourced from plant or animal fats, including pork.
Fatty Acids (E570): Stearic acid can be from plants or animals, potentially including swine fat.
Flavor Enhancers (E631): Disodium inosinate can originate from meat, fish, or plants.

Comparison of Animal vs. Potentially Animal E-Numbers


E-Number	Common Name	Typical Function	Source (Animal vs. Ambiguous)	Dietary Recommendation (Without Certification)
E441	Gelatin	Gelling Agent	Almost always animal (often porcine)	Avoid for pork-free, vegan, or vegetarian diets.
E542	Edible Bone Phosphate	Anti-caking agent, mineral supplement	Animal bones (can be pork)	Avoid for pork-free, vegan, or vegetarian diets.
E471	Mono- and Diglycerides	Emulsifier	Ambiguous; can be plant or animal (including pork)	Avoid or seek clarification/certification.
E422	Glycerol	Humectant	Ambiguous; can be plant or animal (including pork)	Avoid or seek clarification/certification.
E570	Stearic Acid	Anti-caking agent	Ambiguous; can be plant or animal (including pork)	Avoid or seek clarification/certification.

Key Strategies for Informed Dietary Choices

Seek Certification: Look for official halal, kosher, or vegan certification symbols for reliable verification of ingredients.
Read Labels Carefully: Check for the full name of additives like "gelatin" or phrases such as "suitable for vegetarians" to help identify origins.
Contact Manufacturers: If the source of an ambiguous E-number is unclear and no certification is present, contact the manufacturer for details.

Plant-Based Alternatives and the Future of Food Labeling

The food industry is increasingly offering plant-based alternatives and clearer labeling in response to consumer demand. Agar-agar (E406), derived from seaweed, is a common vegan substitute for gelatin. Plant-based oils are also widely used for emulsifiers. There is growing support for mandatory labeling of all ingredients, including processing aids, to enhance transparency. Consumer choices can influence this trend towards clearer food labeling and more transparent production.

Conclusion

Avoiding pork and other animal derivatives requires understanding the E-number system. While some E-numbers are clearly animal-derived, many others, particularly emulsifiers, have ambiguous sources. Relying on certification labels is the most dependable method. By being informed about common E-numbers and demanding transparency, consumers can make dietary choices that align with their beliefs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) can be made from either plant-based oils or animal fats, including pork. The E-number alone does not indicate the source, which is why checking for additional certification (like halal or vegan) or contacting the manufacturer is necessary.

There is no single rule for determining the origin from the E-number alone. Some, like E441 (gelatin), are nearly always animal-based, while others are ambiguous. Your best approach is to look for explicit vegan, vegetarian, or halal certification logos on the packaging or check the manufacturer's website.

No, but some ranges, specifically E470-E483, are a common area of concern. These can be derived from either animal or vegetable fats. Emulsifiers from purely plant-based sources are also available and are explicitly labeled as such on certified products.

Generally, yes, a 'suitable for vegetarians' label indicates no meat products (including pork) were used as ingredients. However, to be absolutely certain, especially for those with strict dietary requirements like halal or kosher, looking for explicit certification is the safest practice.

Agar-agar, which is derived from red algae, is a popular plant-based alternative to gelatin (E441). It functions as a gelling and thickening agent and is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets.

Yes, if a product carries a recognized halal certification logo, it has been verified to be free of pork derivatives and other ingredients considered haram (forbidden). The certification process specifically checks the source of all E-numbered additives.

While ingredient lists are a good starting point, they may not always specify the source of ambiguous E-numbers. Some food processing aids that don't appear in the final product might also not be listed. For strict dietary adherence, relying on certification or manufacturer verification is more reliable.

The E-number for carmine is E120. It is a red coloring derived from the bodies of female cochineal insects. This makes it unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those adhering to certain religious diets.