What do you do when you see E numbers and what do they all mean? Well it is very confusing and like learning a new language. E-numbers are code numbers used to identify food additives. Blocks of numbers are allocated to specific groups of additives. The E actually stands for ‘Europe’. The colours are all in the E100 series (eg E150 caramel and E162 beetroot red); the preservatives are in the E200 series (eg E202 potassium sorbate and E211 sodium benzoate); the antioxidants are in the E300 series and so on. There are over 250 listed E numbers.
Many manufactures add them in and not all are natural and proven to be safe! I am able to teach you how to read and understand food labels. It’s really important to know what is in the foods and drinks you consume. If you would like to learn more contact me to reserve your space.
These E numbers are fine
Colours: E101 (vitamin B2), E160 (carotene)
Antioxidants: E300-E304 & E306-E309 (vitamin C)
Emulsifiers E322 (lecithin)
Stabilisers: E374 (niacin) & E440 (pectin)
Avoid foods and drinks containing synthetic agents which are not proven safe. I’ve listed a few below:
Allura Red AC: E129 (food colour)
Amaranth: E123 (food colour, banned in the US)
Aspartame: E951 (sweetener)
Benzoic acid: E210 (preservative)
