Foods Containing E270 (Lactic Acid)
E270 (Lactic Acid) is an acid produced by fermentation and used to preserve and flavour foods — usually vegan, despite the name. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E270
E270 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Yoghurt and fermented foods
- Sourdough bread
- Salad dressings
- Olives
- Confectionery
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E270 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E270" or as "Lactic Acid".
How to spot E270 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: E270" or "preservatives: lactic acid". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Lactic Acid" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E270?
E270 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 E270.
Full guide to E270: 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).