Foods Containing E260 (Acetic Acid)
E260 (Acetic Acid) is simply the acid in vinegar — completely safe, vegan and halal. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E260
E260 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Pickles
- Chutneys
- Sauces
- Salad dressings
- Crisps (salt and vinegar)
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E260 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E260" or as "Acetic Acid".
How to spot E260 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 "preservatives: E260" or "preservatives: acetic acid". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Acetic Acid" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E260?
E260 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 E260.
Full guide to E260: 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).