Foods Containing E1202 (Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone)
E1202 (Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) is a synthetic polymer, used as a stabiliser to help keep food texture consistent and stop ingredients separating. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E1202
E1202 is used across desserts, dairy products, sauces, dressings and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Desserts
- Dairy products
- Sauces
- Dressings and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E1202 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E1202" or as "Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone".
How to spot E1202 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "stabilisers: E1202" or "stabilisers: polyvinylpolypyrrolidone". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E1202?
E1202 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E1202.
Full guide to E1202: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).