Are all e-numbers vegan? Navigating food additive origins

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While E-numbers are a standardised system of codes for food additives, a common misconception is that all are artificial or plant-based. In reality, many are derived from animal products, making it crucial for vegans to understand the origins of these ingredients to ensure a truly plant-based diet.

Quick Summary

An in-depth guide to understanding the origin of E-numbers. Some food additives are always animal-derived, while others can be sourced from either plants or animals. Discover how to identify and avoid non-vegan additives when reading product labels.

Key Points

Not all E-numbers are vegan: Many food additives, identified by E-numbers, are derived from animal sources, insects, or can have mixed origins, not just plants or synthetic processes.
Always avoid these E-numbers: Certain E-numbers like E120 (carmine from insects) and E441 (gelatine from animal collagen) are never vegan and must be strictly avoided.
Be cautious with ambiguous E-numbers: Additives such as E471 (mono- and diglycerides) can be sourced from either plants or animals, requiring further checks like looking for a vegan label or contacting the manufacturer.
Rely on vegan certifications: The most reliable way to ensure a product is vegan is to look for an official vegan trademark, which guarantees all ingredients have been vetted.
When in doubt, check or avoid: In cases of uncertainty, especially with mixed-origin additives, research the manufacturer or opt for an alternative to stay on the safe side.

Understanding the E-Number System

E-numbers are codes for food additives approved for use within the European Union, and the system is also adopted in many other regions. They are organised into groups based on their function, such as colours (E100s), preservatives (E200s), and emulsifiers (E400s). While many E-numbers are derived from plant sources or are synthetic, a significant number originate from animals, insects, or can have mixed origins, creating confusion for vegans.

E-Numbers that are Always Non-Vegan

Certain E-numbers are consistently derived from animal sources, and vegans must learn to recognise and avoid them. Some of the most common include:

E120: Cochineal, Carminic Acid, Carmine. A red food colouring derived from the crushed female cochineal insect.
E441: Gelatine. A gelling agent sourced from the collagen in animal bones, tendons, and skin, typically from pigs and cows.
E542: Edible Bone Phosphate. An anti-caking agent obtained from ground animal bones.
E901: Beeswax. A glazing agent produced by honey bees.
E904: Shellac. A resinous glaze secreted by the female lac beetle.
E913: Lanolin. A greasy substance derived from sheep's wool, which can be a source of Vitamin D3.
E966: Lactitol. A sweetener derived from lactose, or milk sugar.
E1105: Lysozyme. A preservative enzyme typically sourced from chicken egg whites.

E-Numbers with Mixed Origins

Perhaps the most challenging category for vegans are the E-numbers that can be sourced from either animal or plant products. Without a vegan certification or manufacturer confirmation, it is impossible to know for certain. These often include emulsifiers and fatty acid derivatives.

E101: Riboflavin. A colour that can be sourced from plants, animals, or fungi.
E270: Lactic Acid. An acidity regulator that can come from plants or be created synthetically, though the name is often confused with dairy products.
E322: Lecithin. An emulsifier commonly made from soy or sunflowers, but can also be from eggs.
E422: Glycerol. Can be derived from either plant oils or animal fats.
E471: Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. Emulsifiers typically from plant oils but potentially from animal fats.
E631: Disodium inosinate. A flavour enhancer often sourced from meat or fish.

The Importance of Certification

Because of these inconsistencies, relying solely on an E-number list is insufficient for a strict vegan diet. The most reliable way to ensure a product is vegan is to look for official vegan certifications from organisations like The Vegan Society or Vegan Action. These labels guarantee that all ingredients, including potentially ambiguous E-numbers, have been confirmed as non-animal-derived.

A Comparison of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan E-Numbers


E-Number	Function	Source	Vegan Status	Common Alternatives
E120 (Carmine)	Red Colour	Crushed Cochineal Insects	Non-Vegan (Always)	Beetroot Red (E162)
E162 (Beetroot Red)	Red Colour	Beets	Vegan (Always)	N/A
E441 (Gelatine)	Gelling Agent	Animal Bones/Skin	Non-Vegan (Always)	Agar (E406), Pectin (E440)
E406 (Agar)	Gelling Agent	Seaweed	Vegan (Always)	N/A
E471 (Mono- & Diglycerides)	Emulsifier	Plant or Animal Fats	Mixed/Potentially Non-Vegan	Soy Lecithin (E322), if verified plant-based
E901 (Beeswax)	Glazing Agent	Bees	Non-Vegan (Always)	Carnauba Wax (E903)
E903 (Carnauba Wax)	Glazing Agent	Carnauba Palm Leaves	Vegan (Always)	N/A

Practical Steps for Vegan Shopping

For a vegan, reading labels requires more than just checking for explicit animal products. Here are some steps to follow:

Look for the Vegan Trademark: The most straightforward method. This symbol guarantees the product is free from animal ingredients and derivatives.
Scrutinise the E-Numbers: Familiarise yourself with the list of 'always non-vegan' additives. If you see E120, E441, or E904, put the product back.
Investigate Ambiguous Additives: For E-numbers with mixed origins like E471, look for further confirmation. Is the product labelled 'suitable for vegans'? Is there a disclaimer? If not, proceed with caution or contact the manufacturer.
Use a Mobile App: A number of mobile applications can help you scan barcodes and instantly check if a product and its E-numbers are vegan-friendly.
Prioritise Whole Foods: To avoid this complexity altogether, focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which naturally contain no additives.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

No, not all E-numbers are vegan. For those committed to a plant-based lifestyle, a careful and informed approach to reading food labels is essential. While many E-numbers are harmless, a significant minority are derived from animal products, and many others have ambiguous origins. By learning the key non-vegan additives and seeking out certified vegan products, consumers can navigate the grocery aisles with confidence, ensuring their food choices align with their ethical principles. Always remember that transparency varies between manufacturers, and when in doubt, a little extra investigation is warranted.

Frequently Asked Questions

An E-number is a code for a food additive that has been approved for use within the European Union. These numbers are used to standardise and regulate food additives, such as colourings, preservatives, and emulsifiers, for consumer safety and information.

Some E-numbers are derived directly from animal products, by-products, or insects. For example, E120 (carmine) comes from crushed insects, and E441 (gelatine) is made from animal bones and skin.

You can identify non-vegan E-numbers by memorising a list of common animal-derived ones, like E120 and E441. For additives with mixed origins, look for a certified vegan symbol on the packaging, or if unavailable, contact the manufacturer for clarification.

Not necessarily. E471 has a mixed origin and can be derived from either plant-based fats or animal fats. Unless the product is explicitly labelled vegan, or the manufacturer confirms its plant-based source, it cannot be assumed to be vegan.

Yes, in many countries, including the European Union, food additives must be declared in the ingredients list, either by their full name or their corresponding E-number.

The most straightforward way is to purchase products that have been certified with a vegan trademark. These labels provide a guarantee that the product, and all its additives, are 100% plant-based.

Yes, the 'E' in E-number stands for Europe, signifying that the additive is approved for use within the European Union. The number that follows categorises the additive by its function.