Always animal-derived
If one of these appears on the ingredient list, the product is not vegan.
| E-number | Name | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| E441 | Gelatine | Made from animal skin, bones and connective tissue. In the EU it is usually listed by name instead of a number.Gummy sweets, desserts, some cakes and toppings. |
| E120 | Carmine, cochineal | Red colour made from crushed cochineal insects.Red sweets, drinks and desserts. |
| E901 | Beeswax | Wax produced by bees, used as a glazing agent.Coated sweets and some fruit coatings. |
| E904 | Shellac | Resin secreted by lac insects, used as a glazing agent.Shiny sweets, chocolate-coated snacks, some fruit coatings. |
| E913 | Lanolin | Wax from sheep’s wool. It is also the usual raw material for vitamin D3. |
| E542 | Edible bone phosphate | Made from animal bones. Rarely seen on current labels. |
Many animal ingredients have no E-number
The checker also looks for these ingredient names. They matter more often than E-numbers:
- Milk
- Whey
- Casein
- Lactose
- Butter
- Cream
- Cheese
- Egg
- Albumen
- Honey
- Lard
- Fish
- Anchovy
- Meat
- Collagen
- Tallow
- Rennet
- Animal stock
- Isinglass
- Animal fat
- Royal jelly
- Propolis
- Shellfish
Can be animal- or plant-derived
These additives are often vegan, but the same E-number can be made from animal sources. The label usually does not say which. The checker shows “Check needed” for them.
| E-number | Name | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| E322 | Lecithins | Usually from soy, sunflower or rapeseed, but can be made from egg yolk. |
| E422 | Glycerol | Can come from plant oils or animal fats, or be made synthetically. |
| E470 | Salts of fatty acids (E470a, E470b) | The fatty acids can come from plant or animal fats. |
| E471 | Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | A very common emulsifier. The fats used can be plant- or animal-derived.Bread, baked goods, ice cream, margarine. |
| E472–E495 | Fatty-acid esters and emulsifiers (e.g. E472a–f, E481, E491) | Made with fatty acids that can come from plant or animal fats. |
| E626–E635 | Guanylates and inosinates (e.g. E627, E631) | Flavour enhancers that can be made by fermentation or derived from meat or fish.Crisps, instant noodles, stock cubes, seasonings. |
| E920 | L-cysteine | Flour treatment agent. Can be obtained from feathers or hair, or made by fermentation. |
| – | Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | Usually made from lanolin (sheep’s wool); vegan vitamin D3 from lichen also exists.Fortified plant drinks, margarine, cereals. |
If a product has one of these and no vegan label, ask the manufacturer which source they use.
Most E-numbers are plant-based, mineral or synthetic
An E-number only means the additive is approved in the EU. It says nothing about animal origin. Typical examples that are not of animal origin:
- E300 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- E330 Citric acid
- E406 Agar (from seaweed)
- E440 Pectin (from fruit)
- E500 Sodium carbonates (e.g. baking soda)
Processing aids such as gelatine used to clarify juice, or carriers used for some colours and vitamins, often do not have to be declared. A vegan label is the most reliable signal.
How to check a product
- Read the ingredient list for the names and E-numbers above.
- For additives that can be animal- or plant-derived, look for a vegan label or ask the manufacturer.
- “May contain milk or egg” describes possible cross-contact, not the recipe.
- Recipes and labels change. Check the current package, not an old photo or list.
Frequently asked questions
- Is E471 vegan?
- Not always. E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) can be made from plant or animal fats, and the label usually does not say which. Look for a vegan label or ask the manufacturer.
- Is E322 lecithin vegan?
- Usually, because most lecithin comes from soy, sunflower or rapeseed. It can also be made from egg yolk, so without a vegan label you cannot be sure.
- Is E120 vegan?
- No. E120 (carmine, cochineal) is a red colour made from insects.
Keep going
This list mirrors the rules in VegPlan’s vegan checker. It is general information, not a guarantee for any specific product. Formulations and labels change; always check the package.