E-numbers and additives: which ones matter?

Ekansh Verma-Aug 22 2025

Introduction: Why You See Strange Codes on Food Labels

Have you ever flipped a packet of chips or a soft drink and seen something like:

E150d
INS 330
E202

It looks more like chemistry class than food. These are called E-numbers (or INS numbers in India - International Numbering System). They represent additives: preservatives, colorings, flavor enhancers, stabilizers.

👉 Not all additives are bad. Some are harmless (like vitamin C as a preservative). But some raise red flags - linked to hyperactivity in kids, gut problems, or even cancer risk when overused.

This blog will help you understand which E-numbers matter, which are safe, and which you should avoid.

Chapter 1: What Are E-Numbers and Why Do They Exist?

E-numbers were introduced in the EU (hence “E”) to standardize additive names.
In India, labels often use INS numbers (same system).
Purpose: food safety and consistency. Instead of writing “butylated hydroxyanisole,” the label just says E320.

Why Are Additives Used?

Preservation - to stop spoilage (E200–E299).
Color - to make food look attractive (E100–E199).
Flavor & sweetness - to enhance taste (E600–E699, E900+).
Texture - stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners (E400–E499).

👉 Without additives, packaged food wouldn’t survive weeks in supermarkets. But not all additives are equal.

Chapter 2: The Big Categories of E-Numbers

1. Preservatives (E200-E299)

Common examples:

E211 (sodium benzoate – in soft drinks).
E202 (potassium sorbate – in jams, juices).
E220 (sulphur dioxide – in dried fruits).

Concerns: hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, gut irritation.

2. Colors (E100-E199)

Natural colors:

E100 (curcumin – turmeric extract).
E160a (beta-carotene – from carrots).

Artificial colors:

E102 (tartrazine – yellow).
E110 (sunset yellow).
E129 (allura red).

Concerns: artificial colors linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues in kids (“E-number syndrome”).

3. Sweeteners (E900s)

Examples:

E950 (acesulfame K).
E951 (aspartame).
E955 (sucralose).
E960 (stevia).

Concerns: artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiome; aspartame has been controversial.

4. Emulsifiers & Stabilizers (E400–E499)

Examples:

E412 (guar gum).
E415 (xanthan gum).
E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids).

Mostly safe - but some (E471 from hydrogenated oils) may contribute to trans fats.

5. Flavor Enhancers (E600-E699)

Famous one: E621 (monosodium glutamate – MSG).
Used in: instant noodles, chips, soups.
Concern: “Chinese restaurant syndrome” (headache, flushing) though evidence is mixed.

Chapter 3: The Red-Flag Additives

Here are the E-numbers you should watch out for in Indian packaged foods:

E102 (Tartrazine): Artificial yellow dye, linked to hyperactivity.
E110 (Sunset Yellow): Artificial color, allergic reactions in some.
E211 (Sodium Benzoate): Preservative; in acidic drinks, may form benzene (carcinogen).
E220 (Sulphur Dioxide): Preservative in dried fruits; can trigger asthma.
E621 (MSG): Flavor enhancer; safe for most, but some are sensitive.
E951 (Aspartame): Artificial sweetener, controversial for headaches and gut health.

👉 Rule of thumb: if your kid eats packaged snacks daily, minimize products with artificial colors and preservatives.

Chapter 4: The Safe Side of Additives

Not all E-numbers are villains. Many are safe and natural.

E100 (Curcumin): Extract from turmeric.
E160a (Beta-carotene): From carrots.
E300 (Ascorbic acid): Vitamin C, used as preservative.
E322 (Lecithin): From soy or sunflower, safe emulsifier.
E406 (Agar): From seaweed, used in jellies.

👉 If you see these, no need to panic.

Chapter 5: How Additives Sneak Into Indian Diets

Kids’ candies and soft drinks = artificial colors (tartrazine, sunset yellow).
Juices = sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate.
Dried fruits = sulphur dioxide.
Biscuits = emulsifiers like E471, preservatives.
Instant noodles = MSG + colorings.

👉 Even “immunity-boosting” packaged drinks often contain E-numbers with high sugar.

Chapter 6: The Indian Law (FSSAI Rules)

FSSAI follows the Codex Alimentarius & INS system.
Additives allowed within limits.
Problem: enforcement is weak. Small brands often don’t declare properly.
Labels usually list “INS 330” instead of “citric acid.”

👉 Most consumers don’t know what INS/E-numbers mean — so they ignore them.

Chapter 7: How to Read Additives on Labels

Flip the pack.
Look for “INS” or “E” numbers.
If the pack has 6–10 additives, it’s ultra-processed.
Learn the red flags (E102, E110, E211, E220, E621, E951).
Prefer natural additives (E100, E160a, E300, E322).

👉 Short ingredient lists = better.

Chapter 8: The Monk Fruit Difference

Artificial sweeteners like E951 (aspartame) and E955 (sucralose) dominate the “sugar-free” market. But they come with mistrust.

That’s why monk fruit matters:

Sweetness from mogrosides, not artificial chemicals.
No E-numbers, no controversies.
Natural, zero GI, safe for diabetics.

At EPRA Farms, our monk fruit sweetener is:

Monk fruit extract + erythritol (a natural sugar alcohol found in fruits).
No synthetic additives.
No “sugar-free” gimmicks.

👉 A clean label, easy to trust.

Chapter 9: FAQs

Q: Are all E-numbers bad?

A: No. Many are safe and natural (like E300 = vitamin C). Only some are red flags.

Q: Should I avoid products with any E-numbers?

A: Not always. But if a product has 6+ additives, it’s ultra-processed.

Q: Is MSG really harmful?

A: For most people, no. But some are sensitive (headaches, nausea).

Q: Are natural colors safe?

A: Yes - turmeric, beetroot, beta-carotene are fine.

Q: Why doesn’t India ban harmful additives?

A: Limits exist, but enforcement is weak. Awareness is the first defense.

Conclusion: Which Ones Really Matter

The truth is, additives are a mixed bag. Some are harmless, some are useful, and some should be avoided.

Harmless: Vitamin C (E300), turmeric extract (E100), lecithin (E322).
Concerning: Tartrazine (E102), sodium benzoate (E211), sulphur dioxide (E220), aspartame (E951).

👉 The rule is simple: