E numbers
Food additive designations
E numbers are codes assigned to food additives approved for use in the European Union, where E stands for Europe.
Each number identifies a specific substance: E100 is turmeric, E300 is vitamin C, E621 is MSG.
The system appears on ingredient labels throughout Europe and has spread to other regions.
In casual speech, E numbers often carry negative connotations, associated with artificial or unhealthy ingredients: I try to avoid foods with lots of E numbers.
- additivesSubstances included for enhancement
- colorantsPigments and dyes collectively
- artificial colorsMan-made pigments for products
- tartrazineSynthetic yellow food additive
- stabilizersMechanisms ensuring steadiness
emulsifiers · carmine · sweeteners · flavorings · synthetic additives · thickeners · antioxidants · preservatives · ascorbic acid · lecithin · sulfites · MSG · flavor enhancers · ingredient labeling · humectants · processed food · junk food · supermarket shelves
E numbersclean eating
Unprocessed, natural diet
whole food diet · organic food · farm-to-table · slow food · health food
E, number, numbers, numbered, numbering, numberless, numeral, numerals, numerate