Dairy-Free E-Numbers — The Quick Reference List
A quick-reference version of our dairy guide: the small set of E-numbers that can involve milk, and confirmation that everything else is dairy-free.
Always milk-derived: lactitol (E966). Can involve dairy in production: lactic acid (E270), lactates (E325–E327), nisin (E234) and historically riboflavin (E101). Everything else in the additive system — every colour, every emulsifier, every sweetener apart from lactitol — is dairy-free. Milk is a declared allergen, so deliberate dairy content must always be labelled in bold.
E-numbers that can involve milk
| E-Number | Name | Safety | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| E966 | Lactitol | Safe | Full details |
| E270 | Lactic Acid | Safe | Full details |
| E325 | Sodium Lactate | Safe | Full details |
| E326 | Potassium Lactate | Safe | Full details |
| E327 | Calcium Lactate | Safe | Full details |
| E234 | Nisin | Safe | Full details |
| E101 | Riboflavin | Safe | Full details |
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This page is for general information and does not provide medical or dietary advice.