What is E306 in Food? The Antioxidant Tocopherol-Rich Extract Explained

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that many foods rely on naturally derived additives to stay fresh longer? E306, also known as tocopherol-rich extract, is one such common food additive, functioning as a powerful antioxidant that extends the shelf life of oily products by preventing spoilage.

Quick Summary

E306 is a tocopherol-rich extract and natural antioxidant, essentially a form of Vitamin E sourced from vegetable oils. It is widely used in foods to prevent oxidation and subsequent rancidity, ensuring products remain fresh longer.

Key Points

Identity: E306 is the food additive code for tocopherol-rich extract, which is a natural concentrate of Vitamin E.
Antioxidant Function: It works as a fat-soluble antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of fats and oils in food to combat rancidity.
Natural Origin: It is typically derived from vegetable oils, such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oil.
Found In Many Foods: Common applications include vegetable oils, margarines, baked goods, cereals, and snacks.
Generally Safe: In the amounts found in food, E306 is considered safe by food safety authorities like EFSA.
Dietary Versatility: When plant-derived, E306 is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Its religious compliance depends on its source.

What Exactly is E306?

E306 is the European designation for tocopherol-rich extract, a naturally occurring antioxidant. In simpler terms, it is a concentrate of natural vitamin E, derived from vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower. Tocopherols are a group of chemical compounds that act as fat-soluble antioxidants. The E306 form, specifically, is a mixture of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, with its potency primarily driven by the gamma and delta isomers. As a food additive, E306 serves a crucial preservative role, protecting fats and oils within food products from the damaging effects of oxidation.

The Role of E306 in Food Preservation

Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when fats and oils are exposed to oxygen. This reaction leads to rancidity, causing an unpleasant smell and taste, and degrading the food's quality. As an antioxidant, E306 works by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that trigger the oxidation process. By stopping this chain reaction, E306 effectively preserves the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of fat-containing foods.

Where Does E306 Come From?

E306 is most commonly extracted from vegetable oils that are naturally rich in tocopherols. Sources include:

Soybean oil: A primary source for natural tocopherol extraction.
Wheat germ oil: Another excellent natural source of tocopherols.
Corn oil: Used for producing tocopherol concentrates.
Sunflower oil: Provides a naturally derived source for E306 production.

While the E306 food additive is natural, other tocopherols like E307 (alpha-tocopherol) can be synthetically produced. The natural origin of E306 from plant sources makes it a desirable option for many food manufacturers looking for 'clean label' ingredients.

Common Food Products Containing E306

Because it is fat-soluble, E306 is primarily added to products with significant fat content.

Vegetable and Cooking Oils: To prevent rancidity and extend shelf life.
Margarine and Spreads: Helps preserve the flavor and prevent spoilage.
Cereals and Baked Goods: Keeps fat-based ingredients, like oils and nuts, from becoming stale.
Snacks: Granola bars and other snack items with high omega-3 fatty acids often contain E306 to protect against oxidation.
Processed Meat Products: Inhibits the formation of cancer-promoting nitrosamines in cured meats.

Safety and Dietary Considerations

Food safety authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), generally consider E306 safe for consumption at the levels used in food products. However, there are a few important considerations for consumers.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Soy Allergies: Since E306 is often derived from soybean oil, individuals with soy allergies should be cautious and check product labels.
Religious Diets: The source of E306 is important for religious dietary laws. If derived from vegetable sources, it is considered Halal and Kosher. If potentially derived from animal fats (like pork), it is not. Reputable producers typically ensure vegetable sourcing for broad market appeal.
Vegan/Vegetarian: As a plant-derived additive, E306 is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets when sourced from vegetable oils.

Safety with Supplements vs. Additives While E306 in food is generally harmless, high-dose vitamin E supplements have been linked to potential risks in certain populations. The amount of E306 found in a food item is typically a fraction of the dosage in supplements, making it safe for most people to consume as part of a balanced diet.

E306 vs. Other Tocopherols and Antioxidants


Feature	E306 (Tocopherol-rich extract)	E307 (Alpha-tocopherol)	E300 (Ascorbic Acid)
Composition	Mixture of d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma, and d-delta tocopherols	Often synthetic all-racemic tocopherol	L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Origin	Natural, extracted from plant oils like soy, corn, and sunflower	Can be synthetic, often made from petroleum products	Natural (fruits, vegetables) or synthetic
Function	Fat-soluble antioxidant for fatty products	Fat-soluble antioxidant, often used as Vitamin E source	Water-soluble antioxidant for fruit, meat, beverages
Antioxidant Potency	Strong activity primarily from gamma and delta isomers	Vitamin E activity is different from its additive purpose	Highly effective antioxidant
Used in	Oils, margarine, baked goods, snacks	Fortified foods and supplements	Fruit drinks, cured meats, bakery products

Conclusion: Understanding the Benefits of E306

In summary, E306 is a naturally derived antioxidant known as tocopherol-rich extract, a form of vitamin E that plays an important role in the food industry. Its primary function is to prevent oxidation, thus inhibiting the development of rancidity in fatty and oily foods and extending their freshness. Generally considered safe for consumption at typical levels, E306 is a valuable and effective tool for preserving food quality and stability. For consumers, being aware of its function allows for a better understanding of product labels and the modern food preservation process. For more information on the safety of tocopherols, a comprehensive resource is the EFSA's re-evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

E306, specifically tocopherol-rich extract, is a natural antioxidant typically extracted from vegetable oils. Some other tocopherols, like E307, can be produced synthetically.

E306 is a tocopherol-rich extract, which is a concentrate of natural Vitamin E. All tocopherols are forms of Vitamin E, but E306 refers specifically to the food additive made from a mixture of these compounds.

Yes, E306 is generally considered safe for consumption at the low concentrations used in food. Risks associated with tocopherols primarily involve high doses from dietary supplements, not food additives.

For most people, E306 does not cause an allergic reaction. However, since it is often derived from soy, people with a soy allergy should be cautious and check the product's origin.

E306 is used in small quantities and does not typically affect the taste, color, or smell of the final food product. In some cases, concentrated tocopherol can have a strong flavor, but this is less of a concern for additives.

When sourced from vegetable oils, E306 is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. Consumers can look for a 'Suitable for vegetarian' label or confirm the plant-based origin with the manufacturer.

Food manufacturers obtain E306 by extracting tocopherols from natural raw materials such as soybean oil, corn, and wheat germ. The extract is then concentrated and added to products as needed.