Common Non-Vegetarian E Numbers to Avoid
Many food additives, known as E numbers in Europe, are derived from animal sources. For vegetarians, knowing which of these to avoid is crucial for maintaining a cruelty-free diet. The most prominent non-vegetarian E numbers come from insects, animal bones, and other animal by-products. While some are strictly non-vegetarian, others may have variable sources, requiring further investigation.
E120: Carmine or Cochineal Extract
Perhaps the most infamous non-vegetarian E number is E120, known as Carmine or Cochineal. This bright red dye is produced by crushing the female cochineal insect, which lives on cactus plants in Central and South America. The dye, known as carminic acid, is highly stable and used to add red or pink color to a variety of products, including yogurts, sweets, red juices, and cosmetics. To obtain just one kilogram of E120, up to 155,000 insects may be required.
E441: Gelatin
Another common non-vegetarian additive is E441, or Gelatin. This gelling agent is a protein derived from boiling the collagen-rich skin, bones, and tendons of animals, most commonly pigs and cows. Gelatin is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many products, including marshmallows, gummy candies, jellies, and some dairy items. Due to its animal origin, E441 is strictly avoided by vegetarians. Vegetable-based gelling alternatives like agar-agar (E406) and pectin (E440) are often used as substitutes.
E542: Edible Bone Phosphate
E542 is a mineral supplement and anti-caking agent derived from ground animal bones, typically from cattle or pigs. It is added to some powdered food products and nutritional supplements, but is also frequently used in cosmetic items like toothpaste. Because it is sourced directly from animal skeletons, E542 is not vegetarian and should be avoided.
E904: Shellac
Shellac is a resin produced by the female lac bug, found in the forests of India and Thailand. This additive (E904) is used as a glazing agent to give a shiny finish to confectionery, candies, and some fruits. While the lac bug produces the resin naturally, the harvesting process, which involves scraping the material from trees, is not suitable for vegans and many vegetarians.
E631: Disodium Inosinate
E631 is a flavour enhancer often used in savoury snacks like crisps and instant noodles. While it can be produced through bacterial fermentation, it is very commonly sourced from meat or fish. Unless a product is specifically certified as vegetarian, there is a high likelihood that E631 is animal-derived.
Comparison of Common Non-Vegetarian and Variable E Numbers
To help navigate ingredient lists, the following table compares key characteristics of several E numbers that may not be vegetarian.
| E Number | Name | Typical Source | Function | Certainty of Animal Origin for Vegetarians |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E120 | Carmine | Cochineal insects | Red colouring | Always non-vegetarian |
| E441 | Gelatin | Animal collagen (pigs/cows) | Gelling agent | Always non-vegetarian |
| E542 | Edible Bone Phosphate | Animal bones (pigs/cows) | Anti-caking agent | Always non-vegetarian |
| E904 | Shellac | Lac insects | Glazing agent | Always non-vegetarian |
| E631 | Disodium Inosinate | Meat, fish, or vegetable source | Flavour enhancer | Depends on manufacturer; often animal-based |
| E471 | Mono- and Diglycerides of fatty acids | Animal or vegetable fats | Emulsifier | Depends on manufacturer; often animal-based |
| E920 | L-Cysteine | Animal or human hair/feathers | Flour improver | Often animal-derived; can be synthetic |
Navigating Labels and Certifications
Reading labels is essential for vegetarians, but identifying animal-derived E numbers is only part of the process. Some additives, like E631 (Disodium Inosinate) and E471 (Mono- and Diglycerides of fatty acids), can have either an animal or vegetable source. In these cases, a product's vegetarian certification is the most reliable indicator. If a product contains E numbers with variable sources and lacks a specific vegetarian or vegan logo, it is safest to assume the additive may be animal-derived.
Conclusion
While many E numbers are benign or plant-based, a number of them, including the notorious E120 (carmine) and E441 (gelatin), are definitively not vegetarian due to their animal origins. By understanding the sources of these key non-vegetarian E numbers, and by looking for reliable vegetarian or vegan certifications for products containing ambiguously sourced additives, consumers can make informed choices that align with their dietary preferences. Staying aware of potential pitfalls on food labels is the best defense against inadvertently consuming animal products. For those seeking alternatives, many plant-based substitutes exist for common animal-derived ingredients, such as agar-agar instead of gelatin.
