Vegan E ingredient Numbers Guide

Vegan E ingredient Numbers Guide

Welcome to the world of E numbers – those seemingly mysterious codes found on food labels that carry essential information about the additives present in our food. 

As conscientious consumers, it’s vital to be aware of what goes into the food we eat. One way this information is communicated is through E numbers, codes used for substances serving as food additives within the European Union.

Deciphering the codes

While E numbers might appear cryptic, they are essentially labels that indicate the presence of specific additives in our food. What’s crucial for vegans to know is that the origin of these additives determines whether they align with their dietary choices.

The distinction between vegan and non-vegan additives hinges on the source and production process in the realm of E numbers. Additives derived from plants, minerals, or synthetically are generally considered vegan-friendly. However, those sourced from animals are not in line with vegan principles.

Vegan E Codes

Here is a list of some common E numbers along with their vegan status:

E 100 – Curcumin (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Turmeric)

E 101- Riboflavin (Colour) – Vegan (Vitamin B2)

E 102 – Tartrazine (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic or Plant-derived)

E 104 – Quinoline Yellow (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E110 – Sunset Yellow FCF (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E120 – Cochineal, Carminic Acid, Carmines (Colour) – Not Vegan (Derived from insects)

E122 – Azorubine, Carmoisine (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E123 – Amaranth (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E124 – Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E129 – Allura Red AC (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E131 – Patent Blue V (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E132- Indigo Carmine, Indigotine (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E133 – Brilliant Blue FCF (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E140 – Chlorophylls and Chlorophylls (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Plants)

E141- Copper Complexes of Chlorophyll and Chlorophyll’s (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Plants)

Vegan E & Letter Codes

E150a – Plain Caramel (Colour) – Vegan (Sugar and Heat)

E150b – Caustic Sulfite Caramel (Colour) – Vegan (Sugar, Acid, and Heat)

E150c- Ammonia Caramel (Colour) – Vegan (Sugar, Ammonia, and Heat)19.

E150d – Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Colour) – Vegan (Sugar, Sulfur Dioxide, and Ammonia)

E151 – Brilliant Black BN (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E153 – Vegetable Carbon (Color) – Vegan (Charcoal)

E160a – Carotenes (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Carrots)

E160b – Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Seeds of the Achiote Tree)

E160c – Paprika Extract, Capsanthin, Capsorubin (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Paprika)

E160d – Lycopene (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Tomatoes)

E160e – Beta-Apo-8′-Carotenal (Color) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E160f – Ethyl ester of Beta-Apo-8′-Carotenoic Acid (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E161b – Lutein (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Marigold Flowers)

E161g – Canthaxanthin (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

E162 – Beetroot Red, Betanin (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Beetroots)

E163 – Anthocyanins (Colour) – Vegan (Derived from Plants)

E170 – Calcium Carbonate (Color) – Vegan (Mineral)

E171 – Titanium Dioxide (Color) – Vegan (Mineral)

E172- Iron Oxides and Hydroxides (Colour) – Vegan (Mineral)

E173 – Aluminium (Colour) – Vegan (Mineral)

E174 – Silver (Colour) – Vegan (Mineral)

E175 – Gold (Colour) – Vegan (Mineral)

E180 – Lithol Rubine BK (Colour) – Vegan (Synthetic)

Non-vegan E ingredients

Here is a list of some common E numbers that are not vegan because they are derived from animals or insects:

E120 – Cochineal, Carminic Acid, Carmines (Color) – Derived from insects (Not Vegan)

E441 – Gelatine – Derived from animal collagen, usually from bones and skin (Not Vegan)

E542 – Edible Bone Phosphate – Derived from animal bones (Not Vegan)

E901 – Beeswax – Derived from bees (Not Vegan)

E904 – Shellac – Derived from the lac insect (Not Vegan)

E913 – Lanolin – Derived from sheep’s wool (Not Vegan)

E966 – Lactitol – Derived from lactose, usually from dairy (Not Vegan)

E1105 – Lysozyme – An enzyme derived from egg whites (Not Vegan)

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the vegan status of additives can change based on the source and manufacturing process, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific product labels or contact the manufacturer if you have concerns about the vegan status of a particular E number.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for vegans. As the landscape of food production continually evolves, so too can the sources of these additives. Therefore, staying informed and checking product labels is imperative. If ever in doubt, reaching out to manufacturers for specific information can provide the clarity needed to make ethical and dietary choices.

By being aware of E numbers and their origins, you’re equipped to make mindful decisions about the foods you consume. In this era of information, empowered consumers are the key to encouraging ethical and sustainable practices in the food industry. Stay informed, stay vegan, and make a difference—one E number at a time.

In the quest for ethical and mindful eating, knowledge truly is power. Armed with an understanding of E numbers and their sources, we can navigate the aisles of grocery stores with confidence, ensuring that the products we choose align with our vegan principles. The world of food production is ever-changing, but our awareness and informed choices can drive positive shifts towards more ethical and sustainable practices.

Final Thoughts

So, remember, the next time you pick up a product, glance at those E numbers, and know that your choices are contributing to a kinder, more compassionate world.

Stay informed, stay compassionate, and continue making a difference—one E number at a time. 

We hope this helps!

To see more vegan education material, visit our education page here.

LGV!