Foods Containing E306 (Tocopherol-Rich Extract)
E306 (Tocopherol-Rich Extract) is extracted from vegetable oils such as soya and sunflower, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E306
E306 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E306 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E306" or as "Tocopherol-Rich Extract".
How to spot E306 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 "antioxidants: E306" or "antioxidants: tocopherol-rich extract". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Tocopherol-Rich Extract" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E306?
E306 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 E306.
Full guide to E306: 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).