E-Numbers & Additives

What is E901? Complete guide to understanding E901 (Beeswax) – the natural glazing agent from honeybees The Quick Answer E901 is beeswax—a natural waxy substance produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera…

What is E301? Complete guide to understanding E301 (Sodium Ascorbate) in your food The Quick Answer E301 is the sodium salt of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)—an essential nutrient that functions…

What is E481? Complete guide to understanding sodium stearoyl lactylate in your food The Quick Answer E481 is sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), a versatile emulsifier and dough conditioner derived from…

What is E482? Complete guide to understanding calcium stearoyl lactylate in your food The Quick Answer E482 is calcium stearoyl lactylate (CSL), a versatile emulsifier and dough conditioner derived from…

What is E483? Complete guide to stearyl tartrate—a banned food additive ⚠️ CRITICAL UPDATE: Stearyl tartrate (E483) was REMOVED from the EU list of approved food additives effective April 23,…

What is E491? Complete guide to understanding sorbitan monostearate in your food The Quick Answer E491 is sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), an emulsifier used primarily to improve active dry yeast,…

What is E492? Complete guide to understanding sorbitan tristearate in your food The Quick Answer E492 is sorbitan tristearate, a synthetic emulsifier and stabilizer used primarily to prevent fat bloom…

What is E493? Complete guide to understanding sorbitan monolaurate in your food The Quick Answer E493 is sorbitan monolaurate, an emulsifier and stabilizer used to prevent separation and improve texture…

What is E494? Complete guide to understanding E494 (Sorbitan Monooleate) in your food The Quick Answer E494 is a food emulsifier also known as sorbitan monooleate (or "Span 80"). It's…

What is E495? Complete guide to understanding sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) in your food The Quick Answer E495 is sorbitan monopalmitate (SMP), an emulsifier and stabilizer used to prevent separation…