An E-number is the code the EU assigns to an approved food additive, like E129 for Red 40 or E171 for titanium dioxide. Type a name or number below, or pick from the list, and you will see the additive's category, concern level, and a plain-language summary drawn directly from regulatory positions, with a link to the full breakdown.
Instead of looking up additives one by one, scan a product with NoJunk and the app flags every ingredient on the label at once.
Common additives and their E-numbers
These are the additives currently in the lookup. Each has a full explainer covering what it is, where it shows up, and what the FDA, EFSA, and Health Canada have said.
| Additive | E-number | Category | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red 40 | E129 | Dye | High |
| Titanium Dioxide | E171 | Colorant | High |
| BHA | E320 | Preservative | High |
| Xylitol | E967 | Sweetener | High |
| Glyphosate | residue | Pesticide residue | High |
| Sucralose | E955 | Sweetener | Medium |
| Erythritol | E968 | Sweetener | Medium |
| Xanthan Gum | E415 | Thickener | Medium |
| MSG | E621 | Flavor enhancer | Low |
| Stevia | E960 | Sweetener | Low |
| Citric Acid | E330 | Acidulant | Low |
What "concern level" means here
Concern is a plain guide, not a precise score. High flags an additive with a ban, a required warning label, or a carcinogen classification somewhere in the world. Medium flags contested science or a specific exception. Low flags additives that regulators classify as safe. The detail card for each one shows the actual regulatory wording so you can judge for yourself. For the bigger picture, read food additives to avoid and how ultra-processing works.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about food additives and E-numbers.
What is an E-number?
An E-number is a code the European Union assigns to a food additive it has approved for use. For example, E129 is Red 40 and E171 is titanium dioxide. The number tells you what the additive is, not whether it is safe.
Does an E-number mean an additive is artificial?
No. Plenty of E-numbers are natural or naturally derived. Citric acid (E330) and stevia (E960) both carry E-numbers and are classified as safe by regulators. The code is just an identifier.
Why do some additives have a high concern level if they are still allowed?
Approval and concern are different things. Titanium dioxide (E171) is still permitted by the FDA but was banned from food in the European Union in 2022. The concern level reflects those disagreements and warnings, which is exactly the kind of detail the full explainer covers.
Where can I check a whole product instead of one additive?
Use the ingredient checker to paste a full label, or scan the product directly in the NoJunk app, which reads the entire ingredient list for you.