Acesulfame potassium

E950

A sweetener that adds sweetness without much energy.

Side effects: Excess intake may disturb gut bacteria; long-term safety data still debated.

Acetic acid

E260

The sour part of vinegar.

Side effects: Concentrated form irritates throat, skin and stomach; fine when diluted in food.

Agar

E406

A plant-like seaweed ingredient that makes foods thicker or jelly-like.

Side effects: Large amounts can cause bloating, gas or loose stools.

Alginic acid and alginates

E400, E401

Seaweed-based ingredients that thicken food or make it gel.

Side effects: High intake may cause bloating or mild diarrhoea and slightly reduce mineral absorption.

Allura Red AC

E129

A red food colouring.

Side effects: May trigger hyperactivity in some children and rare allergic reactions.

Ammonium carbonates

E503i, E503ii

A powder that helps some baked foods rise.

Side effects: Large amounts can irritate the stomach and cause nausea.

Annatto extracts

E160b

A natural orange-yellow colouring from annatto seeds.

Side effects: Can cause hives, itching or other allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Anthocyanins

E163

Natural colours that can look red, purple or blue.

Side effects: Generally safe; rare mild digestive upset at high doses.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

E300

Vitamin C, which helps protect food from changing colour.

Side effects: Very high doses cause diarrhoea and cramps and may raise kidney-stone risk.

Ascorbyl palmitate

E304

A form of vitamin C that helps stop oils from going stale.

Side effects: Generally safe; rare allergic skin reactions.

Aspartame

E951

A sweetener that tastes much sweeter than sugar.

Side effects: Unsafe for people with phenylketonuria; may cause headaches in sensitive people.

Baking powder

A mix that makes cakes and other batters rise.

Side effects: Excess can cause bloating, metallic taste and extra sodium intake.

Beeswax

E901

A natural coating that makes some foods look shiny.

Side effects: Rare allergic reactions; large quantities may cause intestinal blockage.

Beetroot red (betanin)

E162

A red colouring from beetroot.

Side effects: Can turn urine or stool red (harmless); otherwise safe.

Benzoic acid

E210

An ingredient that helps stop some germs growing in acidic foods.

Side effects: May trigger asthma, hives and hyperactivity; can form benzene with vitamin C.

Beta-apo-8′-carotenal

INS 160e

An orange food colouring.

Side effects: Generally safe; excess may cause harmless skin yellowing.

Brilliant Blue FCF

E133

A bright blue food colouring.

Side effects: Rare allergic reactions; possible link to hyperactivity in children.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

E320

An ingredient that helps stop fats and oils from going stale.

Side effects: Possible human carcinogen (IARC 2B); may cause allergic reactions.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

E321

An ingredient that helps protect fats and oils from going stale.

Side effects: May cause allergic reactions; high-dose animal studies show liver and thyroid effects.

Calcium 5′-ribonucleotides

E634

A flavour helper that makes savoury foods taste stronger.

Side effects: May cause skin rash or asthma flare-ups; purines can worsen gout.

Calcium acetate

E263

A calcium salt that helps control sourness and keep food fresh.

Side effects: Excess may cause nausea and high blood calcium.

Calcium carbonate

E170i

A mineral powder that can reduce sourness and stop powders from clumping.

Side effects: Excess causes constipation, bloating and high blood calcium.

Calcium chloride

E509

A salt that helps some fruits and vegetables stay firm.

Side effects: Excess causes stomach irritation and nausea.

Calcium citrates

E333

Calcium salts that help keep food’s sourness steady.

Side effects: Excess may cause constipation or high blood calcium.

Calcium diglutamate

E623

A flavour helper that makes savoury foods taste stronger.

Side effects: Glutamate-sensitive people may get headache or flushing.

Calcium disodium EDTA

E385

An ingredient that helps protect food colour and flavour.

Side effects: May reduce zinc and iron absorption; nausea or diarrhoea at high doses.

Calcium guanylate

E629

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: Purine-rich; may worsen gout and trigger rash or asthma in sensitive people.

Calcium inosinate

E633

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: Purine-rich; may worsen gout and trigger rash or asthma in sensitive people.

Calcium lactate

E327

A calcium salt that can help food stay firm.

Side effects: Excess may cause gas, nausea or high blood calcium.

Calcium propionate

E282

An ingredient that helps stop mould growing, especially in baked foods.

Side effects: Linked to headaches and irritability in some children.

Calcium silicate

E552

A powder that helps keep dry ingredients from clumping.

Side effects: Safe in food amounts; inhaled dust irritates lungs.

Calcium sulphate

E516

A mineral salt used to help some foods stay firm.

Side effects: Excess may cause constipation or digestive upset.

Caramel colours

E150a, E150b, E150c, E150d

A brown colouring made by heating sugars.

Side effects: Types c/d contain 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen at high intake.

Carbon dioxide

E290

A gas that makes fizzy drinks bubble.

Side effects: Excess in fizzy drinks causes bloating and burping.

Carboxymethyl cellulose

E466

A thickener that helps sauces and dips stay smooth.

Side effects: May cause bloating and may disturb gut bacteria.

Carmines (cochineal)

E120

A red colouring made from cochineal insects.

Side effects: Can cause severe allergic reactions in some people; not vegetarian.

Carmoisine

E122

A red food colouring.

Side effects: May cause hyperactivity, rashes and asthma flare-ups.

Carotenes

E160a

Natural orange colours found in foods like carrots.

Side effects: Excess causes harmless orange skin tint (carotenemia).

Carrageenan

E407

A seaweed ingredient that thickens food and helps it hold together.

Side effects: May cause gut irritation and bloating in sensitive people.

Chlorophylls

E140

Natural green colours found in plants.

Side effects: Generally safe; mild diarrhoea at high doses.

Citric acid

E330

A sour ingredient found in lemons.

Side effects: Can erode tooth enamel and cause mouth sores or heartburn in excess.

Copper chlorophylls

E141i, E141ii

A green colouring made from plant green pigment.

Side effects: Excess copper may cause stomach upset.

Curcumin

E100

The yellow colouring found in turmeric.

Side effects: High doses may cause nausea or diarrhoea and interact with blood thinners.

Dimethylpolysiloxane

E900a

An ingredient that stops too much foam forming.

Side effects: Generally safe; may cause mild digestive upset.

Dipotassium guanylate

E628

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: Adds potassium and purines; caution in kidney disease and gout.

Dipotassium inosinate

E632

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: Adds potassium and purines; caution in kidney disease and gout.

Disodium 5′-ribonucleotides

E635

A flavour helper that makes savoury foods taste stronger.

Side effects: May cause rash or asthma flare-ups; purines can worsen gout.

Disodium guanylate

E627

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: May cause rash or asthma flare-ups; purines can worsen gout.

Disodium inosinate

E631

A flavour helper that boosts savoury taste.

Side effects: May cause rash or asthma flare-ups; purines can worsen gout.

Erythorbic acid

E315

An ingredient that helps protect food colour and freshness.

Side effects: Generally safe; large amounts may cause diarrhoea or stomach upset.

Erythritol

E968

A sweet-tasting ingredient with very few calories.

Side effects: Can cause nausea, bloating and diarrhoea; recent studies hint at clotting risk.

Erythrosine

E127

A pink-red food colouring.

Side effects: May affect thyroid function and trigger hyperactivity.

Ethyl maltol

INS 637

A flavour ingredient that gives food a sweet, candy-like smell and taste.

Side effects: Large doses may cause nausea; can bind iron.

Fast Green FCF

INS 143

A green food colouring.

Side effects: Rare allergic reactions.

Fumaric acid

E297

A sour powder that gives food a tangy taste.

Side effects: Excess may irritate the stomach.

Gellan gum

E418

An ingredient that helps liquids turn thicker or jelly-like.

Side effects: May cause bloating and gas.

Gluconic acid

E574

A mild acid that adds a little sourness.

Side effects: Generally safe; mild stomach upset in excess.

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL)

E575

A powder that slowly makes food sour.

Side effects: Excess may cause stomach upset.

Glutamic acid

E620

An ingredient that gives food a savoury taste.

Side effects: May cause headache or flushing in glutamate-sensitive people.

Glycerol

E422

An ingredient that helps food stay moist.

Side effects: Excess may cause headache, nausea and diarrhoea.

Glycine

E640

A naturally occurring ingredient with a slightly sweet taste.

Side effects: Generally safe; nausea at very high doses.

Guanylic acid

E626

An ingredient that helps make savoury flavours stronger.

Side effects: Purine-rich; may worsen gout and trigger rash in sensitive people.

Guar gum

E412

A seed-based powder that thickens sauces and dips.

Side effects: Causes gas and bloating; dry powder can choke if not taken with fluid.

Gum arabic

E414

A plant gum that helps keep flavours mixed into food.

Side effects: May cause bloating and gas; rare allergy.

Hydrochloric acid

E507

A strong acid used to adjust acidity during food processing.

Side effects: Corrosive when concentrated; harmless in diluted food use.

Indigo carmine

E132

A blue food colouring.

Side effects: May cause nausea, raised BP and rare allergic reactions.

Inosinic acid

E630

An ingredient that helps make savoury flavours stronger.

Side effects: Purine-rich; may worsen gout and trigger rash in sensitive people.

Iron oxides

E172

Mineral colourings that can be red, yellow, brown or black.

Side effects: Generally safe; excess iron intake is a concern.

Kala khatta flavour

A tangy, fruity flavour like the kala khatta drink.

Side effects: Often has added colours and salt; may trigger allergy or acidity.

Karaya gum

E416

A plant gum that can thicken food.

Side effects: May cause bloating; rare allergy or asthma.

Kasuri methi

Dried fenugreek leaves that add a strong, slightly bitter smell.

Side effects: May cause gas; can lower blood sugar.

Kokum

A sour fruit used to add tang to food.

Side effects: Excess may cause acidity or stomach irritation.

L-cysteine

E920

An ingredient that can make dough easier to handle.

Side effects: Nausea at high doses; often derived from animal hair or feathers.

Lactic acid

E270

An acid made when sugars ferment, adding a sour taste.

Side effects: Excess may upset the stomach; unsuitable for infants in high amounts.

Lecithin

E322

An ingredient that helps oil and water mix together.

Side effects: Allergen for soy or egg-sensitive people; mild stomach upset.

Locust bean gum

E410

A seed-based powder that thickens food.

Side effects: May cause bloating; rare allergy.

Lycopene

E160d

A red colouring found in tomatoes.

Side effects: Excess causes harmless orange skin tint (lycopenemia).

Magnesium diglutamate

E625

A flavour helper that makes savoury foods taste stronger.

Side effects: May cause headache in glutamate-sensitive people; loose stools.

Malic acid

E296

A sharp, fruity acid found in apples.

Side effects: May erode tooth enamel and irritate the mouth.

Maltol

INS 636

An ingredient that gives food a warm, sweet smell.

Side effects: Nausea at high doses.

Mannitol

E421

A sweetener that also helps keep some foods dry.

Side effects: Laxative effect; causes bloating and gas.

Methyl cellulose

E461

A plant-fibre ingredient that thickens food when heated.

Side effects: Bloating and gas; needs plenty of fluid to avoid blockage.

Microcrystalline cellulose

E460i

Plant fibre used to give food body and stop powders clumping.

Side effects: Bloating or loose stools in large amounts.

Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

E306

Vitamin E compounds that help protect oils from going stale.

Side effects: Excess vitamin E may raise bleeding risk.

Modified starches

E1404, E1412, E1414, E1422, E1442

Starches changed to help food stay thick and smooth.

Side effects: Bloating or diarrhoea at high intake.

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

E471

Ingredients that help oil and water mix and keep food smooth.

Side effects: May contain trans fats; excess can raise LDL cholesterol.

Monopotassium glutamate

E622

A flavour helper that adds a savoury taste.

Side effects: May cause headache or flushing in glutamate-sensitive people.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

E621

A seasoning ingredient that makes savoury food taste richer.

Side effects: Headache, flushing or sweating in sensitive people.

Natamycin

E235

An ingredient that helps stop mould and yeast on food.

Side effects: Rare nausea, diarrhoea or skin irritation.

Natural flavours and natural flavouring substances

Flavours taken from natural sources, such as fruits or spices.

Side effects: Undisclosed composition; can trigger allergies in sensitive people.

Nature-identical flavouring substances

Flavours made by people that are the same as flavours found in nature.

Side effects: Undisclosed composition; can trigger allergies in sensitive people.

Neotame

E961

A very strong sweetener used in tiny amounts.

Side effects: May cause headaches and affect gut bacteria.

Nisin

E234

A natural germ-fighting ingredient made by helpful bacteria.

Side effects: Generally safe; rare allergic reaction.

Nitrogen

E941

A gas used in food packs to help keep snacks fresh.

Side effects: Safe in food use; no known side effects.

Paprika oleoresin

E160c

A red-orange colouring taken from paprika peppers.

Side effects: Rare allergic reaction.

Pectin

E440

A fruit-based ingredient that helps jams and jellies set.

Side effects: Bloating and gas in large amounts.

Phosphoric acid

E338

An acid that gives some drinks a sharp taste.

Side effects: Erodes tooth enamel; high intake may weaken bones and strain kidneys.

Polysorbates

E432–E436

Ingredients that help oil and water stay mixed.

Side effects: May disturb the gut lining and microbiome; diarrhoea at high doses.

Ponceau 4R

E124

A red food colouring.

Side effects: May cause hyperactivity and asthma; banned in some countries.

Potassium acetate

E261

A salt that helps control sourness and preserve food.

Side effects: Excess potassium is risky in kidney disease.

Potassium benzoate

E212

A preservative that helps keep acidic foods fresh.

Side effects: May trigger asthma, hives and hyperactivity.

Potassium bromate

INS 924a

A dough-strengthening chemical; its use in food is restricted or not allowed in many places.

Side effects: Possible carcinogen; banned for food use in India.

Potassium chloride

E508

A salty-tasting ingredient sometimes used instead of regular salt.

Side effects: High potassium risk for kidney or heart patients; nausea.

Potassium citrates

E332i, E332ii

Salts that help keep food’s sourness steady.

Side effects: Excess potassium risk in kidney disease; stomach upset.

Potassium ferrocyanide

E536

An ingredient used in small amounts to stop salt from clumping.

Side effects: Very large amounts may irritate the kidneys.

Potassium hydroxide

E525

A strong ingredient used to adjust acidity during processing.

Side effects: Corrosive in concentrated form; harmless as a diluted processing aid.

Potassium lactate

E326

A salt that helps control acidity and keep some foods fresh.

Side effects: Excess potassium risk in kidney disease.

Potassium sorbate

E202

A preservative that helps stop mould and yeast.

Side effects: Skin irritation and rare allergy.

Propionic acid

E280

An acid that helps stop mould growing in food.

Side effects: Linked to headaches and irritability in some children; gut upset.

Propyl gallate

E310

An ingredient that helps stop fats and oils from going stale.

Side effects: May cause allergy, asthma or skin rash.

Propylene glycol

E1520

A liquid that helps keep flavours and colours mixed in food.

Side effects: Excess may cause nausea, headache and kidney strain.

Quillaia extract

E999

A plant extract that helps bubbles and foam form in drinks.

Side effects: May cause stomach irritation and diarrhoea.

Quinoline Yellow

E104

A yellow food colouring; check that it is permitted for the intended food and location.

Side effects: May cause hyperactivity and skin rashes.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

E101

A yellow vitamin that can also colour food.

Side effects: Turns urine bright yellow (harmless).

Rosemary extract

E392

A plant extract that helps protect oils from going stale.

Side effects: Generally safe; rare allergic reaction.

Saccharin

E954

A sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar.

Side effects: May cause headache or nausea; avoid in sulfa allergy.

Shellac

E904

A natural coating that makes sweets and some foods shiny.

Side effects: Rare allergic reactions; not vegetarian.

Silicon dioxide

E551

A powder that keeps dry foods from sticking together.

Side effects: Generally safe; inhaled dust irritates lungs.

Sodium acetate

E262i

A salt that adds a mild vinegar-like taste and helps preserve food.

Side effects: Excess sodium; may cause stomach upset.

Sodium aluminosilicate

E554

A powder that helps stop dry ingredients from clumping.

Side effects: Aluminium accumulation is a concern with heavy long-term intake.

Sodium ascorbate

E301

A form of vitamin C that helps protect food colour and freshness.

Side effects: Adds sodium; high doses cause diarrhoea.

Sodium benzoate

E211

A preservative often used in sauces and other acidic foods.

Side effects: May trigger hyperactivity, asthma and hives; can form benzene with vitamin C.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

E500ii

A powder that makes dough rise and can reduce sourness.

Side effects: Excess causes bloating, high sodium and body alkalosis.

Sodium carbonate

E500i

A powder used to make food less acidic.

Side effects: Irritates the stomach in excess.

Sodium carbonates (raising agent)

E500

A powder that helps dough or batter rise.

Side effects: Irritates the stomach in excess.

Sodium citrates

E331i, E331ii, E331iii

Salts that help keep food’s sourness steady.

Side effects: Adds sodium; excess may cause stomach upset.

Sodium diacetate

E262ii

A salt that gives food a vinegar taste and helps keep it fresh.

Side effects: Excess sodium; may cause stomach upset.

Sodium ferrocyanide

E535

An ingredient used in small amounts to stop salt from clumping.

Side effects: Very large amounts may irritate the kidneys.

Sodium hydroxide

E524

A strong ingredient used to adjust acidity during processing.

Side effects: Corrosive when concentrated; harmless as a diluted processing aid.

Sodium lactate

E325

A salt that helps control acidity and keep some foods fresh.

Side effects: Adds sodium; caution in high BP.

Sodium metabisulphite

E223

An ingredient that helps stop browning and spoilage.

Side effects: Can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Sodium nitrate

E251

A curing ingredient used in some meat products.

Side effects: Can convert to nitrosamines, linked to cancer risk.

Sodium nitrite

E250

A curing ingredient used in some meat products.

Side effects: Linked to colorectal cancer risk; dangerous for infants (methaemoglobinaemia).

Sodium propionate

E281

An ingredient that helps stop mould growing in baked foods.

Side effects: Linked to headaches and irritability in some children.

Sodium stearoyl lactylate

E481i

An ingredient that helps food mix well and keeps dough soft.

Side effects: Generally safe; mild digestive upset.

Sorbic acid

E200

A preservative that helps stop mould and yeast.

Side effects: Skin irritation and rare allergy.

Sorbitol

E420

A sweetener that also helps food stay moist.

Side effects: Laxative effect; causes bloating and diarrhoea.

Steviol glycosides

E960

Sweet ingredients taken from the stevia plant.

Side effects: May cause bloating or nausea; can lower BP.

Sucralose

E955

A sweetener that tastes much sweeter than sugar.

Side effects: May affect gut bacteria and blood-sugar response.

Sulphur dioxide

E220

A preservative that helps stop browning and spoilage.

Side effects: Triggers asthma and headaches in sulphite-sensitive people.

Sunset Yellow FCF

E110

An orange-yellow food colouring.

Side effects: May cause hyperactivity, hives and asthma.

Talc

E553b

A mineral powder used to stop some foods from sticking together.

Side effects: Inhalation risk; concern over asbestos contamination.

Tartaric acid

E334

A sour acid found in grapes and tamarind.

Side effects: Excess has a laxative effect.

Tartrazine

E102

A yellow food colouring.

Side effects: Hives, asthma and hyperactivity in sensitive people.

Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

E319

An ingredient that helps keep oils fresh for longer.

Side effects: Nausea at high doses; possible immune concerns.

Titanium dioxide

INS 171

A white colouring used to make some foods look brighter.

Side effects: Banned in EU foods over genotoxicity concerns.

Vanillin

The main flavour ingredient that gives vanilla its smell.

Side effects: May cause headaches; rare allergy.

Vegetable carbon

E153

A black colouring made from plant material.

Side effects: May cause constipation and reduce absorption of medicines.

Xanthan gum

E415

A powder that thickens sauces and helps stop ingredients separating.

Side effects: Bloating and gas in large amounts.

Xylitol

E967

A sweetener used in some sugar-free foods.

Side effects: Laxative at high doses; toxic to dogs.