Interactive toolIngredients
E-Number Checker
Enter any E-number (e.g. E471, E120, E441) to check whether that food additive is typically vegan. Many E-numbers can have plant or animal sources — we explain the uncertainty when it exists.
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How to use this tool
Enter any E-number (e.g. E471, E120, E441) to check whether that food additive is typically vegan. Many E-numbers can have plant or animal sources — we explain the uncertainty when it exists.
How it works
- Enter the E-number with or without the 'E' prefix.
- We match against our additive database.
- You receive the common name, function, possible sources, and vegan status.
- Uncertain additives explain why source information matters.
How to interpret the result
- Not Vegan — consistently animal-derived (E120 carmine, E441 gelatin, E904 shellac).
- May Be Vegan — source varies (E471, E472, E631).
- Usually Vegan — typically plant-derived but verify for your product.
- Always check the specific product — manufacturers rarely declare E-number sources.
Found E-numbers on a label? Analyze the full ingredient list
Important limitations
- E-number sources are rarely listed on packaging.
- Same E-number can have different sources between products.
- Preliminary results are marked as unverified and should not replace reading the actual label.
- Formulations change by country, brand, and over time — always check your specific product.
- We do not have access to proprietary manufacturer data unless it is publicly available.
Examples
E120
Not Vegan — carmine, derived from cochineal insects.
E471
May Be Vegan — emulsifier from plant or animal fats.
E322
May Be Vegan — lecithin, usually soy but can be egg.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all E-numbers above E400 are synthetic and vegan.
- Ignoring E-numbers because they're 'just numbers'.
- Not checking E441 (gelatin) hidden in gummy products.
- Treating 'May Be Vegan' as safe without product verification.
What to check next
- Browse our full additives database.
- Check the product's full ingredient list.
- Look for vegan-certified versions of the product.
- Contact the manufacturer about sourcing if critical.
Related ingredients & products
FAQ
- Can E471 be vegan?
- Yes — E471 (mono- and diglycerides) can be plant-derived, but the source is usually not specified on labels.
- Are all E-numbers vegan?
- No. E120, E441, E904, and others are animal-derived. Many others have uncertain sources.
- Why don't labels say if E-numbers are plant-based?
- Regulations don't require source disclosure for most additives — only the E-number or chemical name.
- Which E-numbers should vegans avoid?
- E120 (carmine), E441 (gelatin), E904 (shellac) are consistently non-vegan. E471, E472, E631 need verification.
- Is E631 vegan?
- Often uncertain — disodium inosinate can be derived from meat, fish, or fermentation. Source is rarely declared.
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