Look up any food ingredient, additive, or E-number to learn about its safety, health effects, and where it's commonly found.
20 ingredients found
Our free Ingredient Checker tool helps you quickly look up any food ingredient, additive, preservative, or E-number to understand its safety profile and health effects. Simply type the ingredient name in the search bar above, or browse by category.
Each ingredient is rated as Generally Safe, Use Caution, or Best to Avoid based on current scientific research, regulatory status, and health organization guidelines. We also show you where each ingredient is commonly found and any international bans or restrictions.
For a complete product analysis — scanning entire ingredient lists and barcodes in seconds — download the Karrot AI app free on the App Store.
All ingredient safety ratings in this tool are evidence-based and derived from the following authoritative sources:
GRAS database, food additive status lists, and adverse event reports
Scientific safety opinions, E-number classifications, and risk assessments
Carcinogen classifications (Groups 1, 2A, 2B, 3) and international safety standards
Peer-reviewed studies and USDA FoodData Central nutritional database
Safety ratings are cross-referenced against at least two independent regulatory databases. Where scientific consensus is divided (e.g., certain artificial sweeteners), we present balanced information noting the positions of different regulatory bodies. Data is reviewed quarterly and updated whenever FDA, EFSA, or WHO issue new findings.
Disclaimer: This tool provides informational guidance based on current scientific research, not medical advice. Individuals with serious allergies or medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional.
E-numbers are codes for food additives approved for use in the European Union, assigned by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). For example, E621 is MSG and E951 is Aspartame. Our tool lets you search by E-number to quickly identify any additive.
Our ratings are evidence-based, cross-referenced against FDA GRAS databases, EFSA safety assessments, WHO/IARC carcinogen classifications, and peer-reviewed studies from NIH PubMed. We update ratings whenever major regulatory bodies issue new findings or reclassifications.
Yes! Download the Karrot AI app to scan any food barcode or ingredient list with your camera and get a complete analysis in under 5 seconds.
Our data is sourced from established regulatory bodies (FDA, EFSA, WHO) and peer-reviewed scientific literature. However, this tool is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.