Search 82 fillers, binders, coatings, sweeteners, colours and other ingredients that commonly appear on UK supplement labels. Each entry explains why it may be used and flags where its source can matter for vegan or allergen checks.
Showing all 82 entries.
Acacia gum E414
Usually used as: Binder, stabiliser, coating aid and thickener.
Source and label note: A plant gum also called gum arabic. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens, but the finished product and cross-contamination statement still matter.
Acesulfame K E950
Usually used as: Intense sweetener in powders, chewables and gummies.
Source and label note: Manufactured sweetener. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Agar E406
Usually used as: Gelling agent and, in some products, part of a plant-based capsule shell.
Source and label note: Derived from red seaweed and generally compatible with vegan formulations; check the whole product rather than one ingredient.
Alginic acid E400
Usually used as: Thickener, stabiliser and gelling aid.
Source and label note: Derived from brown seaweed. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Aspartame E951
Usually used as: Intense sweetener.
Source and label note: Manufactured sweetener. Products containing aspartame require phenylalanine information for people with phenylketonuria; this is separate from allergen labelling.
Beeswax E901
Usually used as: Glazing or coating agent.
Source and label note: Produced by bees, so it is not vegan. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Beetroot red E162
Usually used as: Red or pink colouring.
Source and label note: Usually obtained from beetroot. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Calcium carbonate E170
Usually used as: White colour, filler or acidity regulator; it may also be the declared calcium source.
Source and label note: Mineral-derived or manufactured. Check whether the label lists it as an active nutrient, an additive, or both.
Calcium phosphates E341
Usually used as: Filler, anti-caking agent or tablet-processing aid.
Source and label note: A group that includes mono-, di- and tricalcium phosphate. Mineral/manufactured origin; not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Calcium silicate E552
Usually used as: Helps powders flow and resist clumping.
Source and label note: Mineral/manufactured. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Caramel colours E150a–E150d
Usually used as: Brown colouring.
Source and label note: Made by controlled heating of carbohydrates. The four classes differ; sulphite-related wording and the product’s allergen statement should be checked rather than treating all caramel colours as identical.
Carmine / cochineal E120
Usually used as: Red colouring.
Source and label note: Made from cochineal insects, so it is not vegan. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Candelilla wax E902
Usually used as: Glazing and moisture-barrier coating.
Source and label note: Plant wax from the candelilla shrub and generally compatible with vegan formulations.
Carnauba wax E903
Usually used as: Polish, glazing and protective coating.
Source and label note: Plant wax from carnauba palm leaves and generally compatible with vegan formulations.
Carrageenan E407
Usually used as: Thickener, stabiliser or gelling agent, including in some capsule systems.
Source and label note: Derived from red seaweed. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Cellulose E460
Usually used as: Filler, binder, anti-caking or texture aid.
Source and label note: A plant-derived carbohydrate. The broad name includes forms such as microcrystalline and powdered cellulose.
Citric acid E330
Usually used as: Acidity regulator, flavour-balancing acid and partner in effervescent tablets.
Source and label note: Commercial citric acid is commonly made by fermentation; the name does not by itself mean the ingredient came from citrus fruit.
Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose / croscarmellose sodium E468
Usually used as: Disintegrant that helps a tablet break apart after contact with liquid.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Curcumin E100
Usually used as: Yellow colouring.
Source and label note: Associated with turmeric, though commercial sourcing and processing vary. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Ethyl cellulose E462
Usually used as: Binder, film coating and release-control material.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Erythritol E968
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener and texture aid.
Source and label note: Usually produced by fermentation. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Gelatin No E number
Usually used as: Hard- or soft-capsule shell and binder.
Source and label note: Animal collagen, commonly bovine, porcine or fish, so it is not vegetarian or vegan. Fish-derived gelatin makes the exact source especially important for allergy checks.
Gellan gum E418
Usually used as: Gelling and stabilising agent.
Source and label note: Produced by fermentation. It can suit vegan formulations, but that does not certify the finished product.
Glycerol / glycerin E422
Usually used as: Humectant, sweetener and plasticiser that keeps soft capsules flexible.
Source and label note: Can be plant-derived, animal-derived or manufactured. Ask the manufacturer when vegan status matters.
Guar gum E412
Usually used as: Thickener, binder and stabiliser.
Source and label note: Derived from guar seeds. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Hydroxypropyl cellulose E463
Usually used as: Tablet binder and film-coating material.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose / HPMC E464
Usually used as: Plant-style capsule shell, tablet coating, binder and thickener.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived and commonly used instead of gelatin. The whole product still needs checking for vegan suitability.
Iron oxides and hydroxides E172
Usually used as: Red, yellow or black colouring, often in tablet or capsule coatings.
Source and label note: Mineral/manufactured pigments. They are not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Isomalt E953
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener in chewables, lozenges and gummies.
Source and label note: Manufactured from sugars. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Lactitol E966
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener.
Source and label note: Made from lactose, so it is not normally considered vegan. Its milk-derived origin and the finished product’s allergen declaration should both be checked.
Lecithins E322
Usually used as: Emulsifier that helps oils and water-based ingredients remain mixed.
Source and label note: Common sources include soya, sunflower and egg. Soya and egg are regulated allergens when applicable, so look for the named source on the label.
Locust bean gum / carob gum E410
Usually used as: Thickener, stabiliser and gelling aid.
Source and label note: Derived from carob seeds. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Lutein E161b
Usually used as: Yellow-orange colouring; lutein can also appear as the promoted ingredient in an eye supplement.
Source and label note: Often sourced from marigold flowers, but sourcing varies. Check whether it is listed as an active ingredient or a colour.
Magnesium carbonate E504
Usually used as: Anti-caking, filler or acidity-regulating aid; it may also be a declared magnesium source.
Source and label note: Mineral/manufactured. Its role depends on where and how it appears on the label.
Magnesium salts of fatty acids / magnesium stearate E470b
Usually used as: Tablet lubricant and powder-flow aid used during manufacture.
Source and label note: The fatty acids may come from plant or animal sources. The ingredient name alone does not establish vegan status.
Malic acid E296
Usually used as: Acidity regulator and tart flavour in powders, gummies and chewables.
Source and label note: Commercial material is commonly manufactured or fermented; the name does not show that it came from apples.
Maltitol / maltitol syrup E965
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener and texture aid.
Source and label note: Usually made from starch-derived sugars. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Maltodextrin No E number
Usually used as: Carrier, bulking agent and aid for dispersing small quantities of ingredients.
Source and label note: Made from starch, commonly maize, potato, rice, tapioca or wheat. When source or allergy suitability matters, use the product’s full label and manufacturer information.
Mannitol E421
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener, tablet filler and anti-caking aid.
Source and label note: Occurs naturally but commercial material is manufactured. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Methyl cellulose E461
Usually used as: Binder, thickener and film-forming aid.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Microcrystalline cellulose E460(i)
Usually used as: Common tablet and capsule filler, binder and flow aid.
Source and label note: Purified plant cellulose. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Modified starches E1404–E1452
Usually used as: Binder, disintegrant, thickener or carrier.
Source and label note: The numbered family covers several treatments and sources. Check the ingredient wording and allergen declaration when a cereal source matters.
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E471
Usually used as: Emulsifier and processing aid.
Source and label note: The fatty-acid source may be plant or animal. Ask the manufacturer when vegan status matters.
Paprika extract E160c
Usually used as: Orange-red colouring.
Source and label note: Derived from peppers. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Pectins E440
Usually used as: Gelling, binding and stabilising agent, especially in gummies.
Source and label note: Usually obtained from fruit peel or pomace. It is generally compatible with vegan formulations.
Polydextrose E1200
Usually used as: Bulking agent and soluble-fibre ingredient.
Source and label note: A manufactured glucose polymer. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Polyethylene glycol E1521
Usually used as: Coating, carrier or processing aid.
Source and label note: Manufactured material. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Polysorbate 80 E433
Usually used as: Emulsifier and solubilising aid.
Source and label note: Manufactured from sorbitol and fatty-acid components; raw-material sources can vary. Check with the manufacturer when vegan sourcing matters.
Potassium sorbate E202
Usually used as: Helps control moulds and yeasts in suitable products.
Source and label note: The potassium salt of sorbic acid, generally manufactured. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Povidone / polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) E1201
Usually used as: Tablet binder, coating aid or solubilising aid.
Source and label note: Manufactured polymer. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Crospovidone / polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) E1202
Usually used as: Disintegrant that helps tablets break apart.
Source and label note: Crosslinked manufactured polymer related to PVP. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Pullulan E1204
Usually used as: Film former and capsule-shell material.
Source and label note: Produced by fermentation of starch-derived carbohydrate and commonly used in vegan-suitable capsule systems; check the finished product.
Riboflavin E101
Usually used as: Yellow colouring; riboflavin is also vitamin B2 when used as a nutrient.
Source and label note: Can be made by fermentation or other manufacturing routes. Check whether the label lists it as a colour, a vitamin, or both.
Rice flour No E number
Usually used as: Filler or powder-flow aid.
Source and label note: Ground rice. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens, although cross-contamination statements still matter.
Shellac E904
Usually used as: Glazing, polish and moisture-barrier coating.
Source and label note: A resin produced by lac insects, so it is not vegan.
Silicon dioxide E551
Usually used as: Helps powders flow and resist clumping.
Source and label note: Mineral/manufactured amorphous silica. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sodium alginate E401
Usually used as: Thickener, stabiliser, coating and gelling aid.
Source and label note: Derived from brown seaweed. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sodium benzoate E211
Usually used as: Preservative in suitable liquid, gummy or flavoured products.
Source and label note: The sodium salt of benzoic acid, generally manufactured. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose / sodium CMC E466
Usually used as: Binder, thickener and stabiliser.
Source and label note: Cellulose-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sodium citrates E331
Usually used as: Acidity regulator, buffer and effervescent-formulation aid.
Source and label note: Manufactured salts of citric acid. They are not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sorbitol / sorbitol syrup E420
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener, humectant and soft-capsule aid.
Source and label note: Usually made from glucose. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Sorbic acid E200
Usually used as: Helps control moulds and yeasts in suitable products.
Source and label note: Generally manufactured. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Stearic acid / fatty acids E570
Usually used as: Tablet lubricant and processing aid.
Source and label note: The fatty-acid source may be plant or animal. Ask the manufacturer when vegan status matters.
Steviol glycosides E960a–E960c (GB)
Usually used as: Intense sweetener.
Source and label note: E960a–E960c are listed for Great Britain. E960d glucosylated steviol glycosides is authorised in Northern Ireland but not GB. They are not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sucralose E955
Usually used as: Intense sweetener in powders, liquids, chewables and gummies.
Source and label note: Manufactured from sucrose. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Talc E553b
Usually used as: Anti-caking and tablet-processing aid.
Source and label note: Mineral-derived. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Titanium dioxide E171
Usually used as: White colour or coating pigment.
Source and label note: Mineral/manufactured. The FSA list notes that it is not permitted as a food additive in Northern Ireland, while the GB position differs; check the market and current law.
Tocopherols E306–E309
Usually used as: Antioxidants that help protect oils and fat-soluble ingredients from oxidation.
Source and label note: Often obtained from vegetable oils or manufactured as specific tocopherols. Source information may matter where soya or vegan status is a concern.
Triethyl citrate E1505
Usually used as: Film-coating plasticiser, carrier and processing aid.
Source and label note: Manufactured ester of citric acid and ethanol. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Xanthan gum E415
Usually used as: Thickener and stabiliser.
Source and label note: Produced by fermentation. The fermentation substrate can vary; check manufacturer information for particular dietary concerns.
Xylitol E967
Usually used as: Bulk sweetener and texture aid.
Source and label note: Made from plant-derived carbohydrates by industrial processing. It is a polyol; check the complete label for any required consumption statement.
Starch No E number
Usually used as: Filler, binder or disintegrant.
Source and label note: May come from maize, potato, rice, tapioca or wheat. Check the label and manufacturer when cereal source or allergen suitability matters.
Sucrose No E number
Usually used as: Sweetener, filler or coating aid.
Source and label note: Usually from sugar beet or sugar cane. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Dextrose / glucose No E number
Usually used as: Sweetener, carrier or bulking ingredient.
Source and label note: Usually made from starch. The source can vary, so use the full label and manufacturer information when dietary source matters.
Inulin No E number
Usually used as: Bulking agent and fibre ingredient.
Source and label note: Commonly obtained from chicory root or other plants. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Tartrazine E102
Usually used as: Synthetic yellow colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Quinoline yellow E104
Usually used as: Synthetic yellow colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sunset Yellow FCF E110
Usually used as: Synthetic orange-yellow colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Carmoisine (Azorubine) E122
Usually used as: Synthetic red colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Ponceau 4R E124
Usually used as: Synthetic red colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Allura Red AC E129
Usually used as: Synthetic red colouring in foods and supplements where permitted.
Source and label note: Food and drink containing this colour must carry the warning “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. It is not one of the 14 regulated allergens.
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites E220–E224, E226–E228
Usually used as: Preservatives and antioxidants that help limit microbial growth, browning or oxidation.
Source and label note: Sulphur dioxide and sulphites must be clearly declared as allergens when present above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l in the finished product as consumed.
How to read the directory
UK labels normally identify a food additive by its function followed by its specific name or E number. “Anti-caking agent: silicon dioxide” and “anti-caking agent: E551” therefore point to the same additive. Ingredients without E numbers can still be used as fillers, carriers, capsule materials or processing aids.
The directory uses cautious wording such as “source can vary” because the same material may be made from different raw materials. If vegan status, a food allergy or coeliac disease matters, use the complete ingredient and allergen declaration and ask the manufacturer where necessary.
Primary sources
- Food Standards Agency: Approved additives and E numbers — current names, E numbers, categories and the GB/Northern Ireland note for titanium dioxide.
- Food Standards Agency: Food additives — what the main additive functions do and how additives are assessed.
- GOV.UK: Ingredients lists and allergen labelling.
- Food Standards Agency: Allergen guidance for food businesses.
Reviewed: 13 September 2026. We will update the page when official guidance changes.
Important: This directory is general label-reading information, not medical or allergy advice. It does not assess the safety or quality of a particular supplement. Check the product label and ask the manufacturer, a pharmacist, GP or other qualified healthcare professional when appropriate.