Food Ingredients & E-Numbers Decoder

Food Additives & E-Codes Meaning

Curious what E621, E330, or E951 mean on the ingredients list of your favorite snack or drink? Learn the true purpose, safety ratings, and origin of common food additives.

E621Safety: Safe

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Purpose: Umami Flavor Enhancer

E621 is MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), an amino acid salt that enhances savory umami flavors in foods.

Found In: Potato chips, instant ramen noodles, seasoned snacks, restaurant broths.

E330Safety: Safe

Citric Acid

Purpose: Acidity Regulator & Antioxidant

E330 is Citric Acid, a natural compound found in lemons and limes used to add sour tartness and prevent spoilage.

Found In: Soft drinks, candies, jams, fruit snacks, canned tomatoes.

E951Safety: Caution

Aspartame

Purpose: Zero-Calorie Artificial Sweetener

E951 is Aspartame, an intense artificial sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than table sugar.

Found In: Diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gums, low-calorie yogurts.

E250Safety: Caution

Sodium Nitrite

Purpose: Curing Agent & Botulism Prevention

E250 is Sodium Nitrite, added to cured meats to prevent deadly bacterial growth and preserve pink meat color.

Found In: Bacon, hot dogs, sausages, ham, deli lunch meats.

E150dSafety: Safe

Caramel IV (Sulphite Ammonia Caramel)

Purpose: Dark Brown Food Coloring

E150d is caramel food coloring created by heat-treating sugars with ammonia and sulphite compounds to create dark brown hues.

Found In: Cola sodas, soy sauces, dark beers, gravies, barbecue sauces.

E471Safety: Safe

Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Purpose: Emulsifier & Texture Stabilizer

E471 keeps oil and water from separating, extending the shelf-life and soft texture of baked goods.

Found In: Packaged bread, cakes, margarine, ice cream, peanut butter.

E102Safety: Controversial

Tartrazine (Yellow 5)

Purpose: Bright Lemon-Yellow Dye

E102 is a synthetic yellow food dye. In the EU, products containing E102 must carry a warning about potential hyperactivity in sensitive children.

Found In: Bright yellow candies, cheese-flavored chips, energy drinks, pickles.