Choosing a plant-based or vegan diet goes beyond avoiding meat and dairy. Many food additives and E-numbers are derived from animal products—even in foods that appear vegan-friendly. This guide will help you identify animal-based E-numbers and understand how they’re labeled around the world, including Europe, North America, APAC, and Australia.
What Are E-Numbers?
E-numbers are codes for substances used as food additives within the European Union. Outside of Europe, the same substances may be labeled using INS numbers or by name. Unfortunately, some of these additives are derived from animals and may not be suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
List of Animal-Based E-Numbers to Avoid
These E-numbers are commonly found in processed foods, cosmetics, and supplements, and are not considered vegan:
🇪🇺 Europe (E-Numbers)
Europe uses a strict E-numbering system regulated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
| E-Number | Name | Animal Source | Function |
| E120 | Carmine / Cochineal | Crushed cochineal insects | Red coloring |
| E441 | Gelatine | Animal bones/skin (pig, cow) | Gelling agent |
| E542 | Edible Bone Phosphate | Animal bones | Anti-caking |
| E901 | Beeswax | Bees | Coating agent |
| E904 | Shellac | Lac insect | Glazing agent |
| E913 | Lanolin | Sheep wool | Coating agent |
| E966 | Lactitol | From lactose (milk) | Sweetener |
| E1105 | Lysozyme | Egg white | Preservative |
🇺🇸 United States
The US does not use E-numbers. Ingredients are listed by name.
| E-Number | US Labeling |
| E120 | Carmine, Cochineal |
| E441 | Gelatin |
| E542 | Bone Phosphate |
| E901 | Beeswax |
| E904 | Shellac, Confectioner’s Glaze |
| E913 | Lanolin |
| E966 | Lactitol |
| E1105 | Lysozyme (Egg-derived) |
🇦🇺 Australia and New Zealand
Follows FSANZ guidelines, and often uses both E-numbers and ingredient names.
| E-Number | Australia Labeling |
| E120 | Cochineal, Carmine |
| E441 | Gelatine |
| E542 | Bone Phosphate |
| E901 | Beeswax |
| E904 | Shellac |
| E913 | Lanolin |
| E966 | Lactitol |
| E1105 | Lysozyme (from Egg White) |
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada lists additives in English and French, often without E-numbers.
| E-Number | Canada Labeling |
| E120 | Cochineal, Carmine |
| E441 | Gelatin / Gélatine |
| E542 | Bone Phosphate |
| E901 | Beeswax / Cire d’abeille |
| E904 | Shellac |
| E913 | Lanolin |
| E966 | Lactitol |
| E1105 | Lysozyme (Egg-based) |
APAC Region: Labeling Systems
The APAC region often uses the INS (International Numbering System) for food additives, which overlaps with E-numbers but without the “E” prefix. Some countries use local names or transliterated English terms.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan does not use E-numbers. Additives are labeled in Japanese using chemical names or katakana English. Animal-derived ingredients are often not clearly marked, so it’s essential to research or contact manufacturers.
| E-Number | Japan Labeling |
| E120 | コチニール色素 (Cochineal) |
| E441 | ゼラチン (Gelatin) |
| E901 | ミツロウ (Beeswax) |
| E904 | シェラック (Shellac) |
| E1105 | リゾチーム (Lysozyme) |
🇨🇳 China
China uses INS numbers in official documentation, but labels in Chinese characters. Animal-derived content is not always disclosed unless required by dietary laws.
| E-Number | China Labeling |
| E120 | 胭脂虫红 |
| E441 | 明胶 |
| E542 | 骨磷酸盐 |
| E901 | 蜂蜡 |
| E904 | 虫胶 |
| E913 | 羊毛脂 |
| E1105 | 溶菌酶 |
🇮🇳 India
India follows FSSAI guidelines and often uses INS numbers alongside ingredient names. Many products are marked with a green (vegetarian) or brown (non-vegetarian) dot symbol.
| E-Number | India Labeling |
| INS120 | Cochineal, Carmine |
| INS441 | Gelatin |
| INS542 | Bone Phosphate |
| INS901 | Beeswax |
| INS904 | Shellac |
| INS913 | Lanolin |
| INS966 | Lactitol |
| INS1105 | Lysozyme |
🇰🇷 South Korea
Korea uses Korean names and transliterated English terms. Animal-based ingredients are not always declared unless allergens or religious requirements apply.
| E-Number | Korean Labeling |
| E120 | 코치닐 추출물 |
| E441 | 젤라틴 |
| E901 | 밀랍 |
| E904 | 셸락 |
| E1105 | 라이소자임 |
🇸🇬 🇲🇾 🇹🇭 Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand)
Most Southeast Asian countries use INS numbers, sometimes E-numbers, and ingredient names in English or native languages.
| E-Number | Common Labeling |
| INS120 / E120 | Cochineal, Carmine |
| INS441 / E441 | Gelatine |
| INS542 / E542 | Bone Phosphate |
| INS901 / E901 | Beeswax |
| INS904 / E904 | Shellac |
| INS913 / E913 | Lanolin |
| INS966 / E966 | Lactitol |
| INS1105 / E1105 | Lysozyme |
Vegan Alternatives to Common E-Numbers
| Replaces | Alternative |
| E120 | Beetroot Red, Anthocyanins |
| E441 | Agar-Agar, Pectin |
| E542 | Mineral Phosphate |
| E901/E904 | Carnauba Wax (E903) |
| E913 | Plant Oils |
| E966 | Xylitol, Sorbitol |
| E1105 | Nisin (E234), Natamycin (E235) |
Final Tips
- Always check for vegan certification logos.
- Use label scanner apps or translation tools when abroad
- Contact manufacturers when in dou bt—especially with supplements and cosmetics
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