Is E304 Vegan? Fatty Acid Esters of Ascorbic Acid
E304 (Fatty Acid Esters of Ascorbic Acid) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Why is E304 check source?
Fatty Acid Esters of Ascorbic Acid can be made from either plant or animal sources (plant or animal fat). The label will not tell you which was used.
Is E304 vegetarian?
E304 is possibly vegetarian — check the source.
What should vegans do about E304?
Contact the manufacturer directly, or look for a certified vegan logo to be certain.
Reading the label for E304
The exact wording on the pack is the best clue you have when the source isn't stated outright:
| What the label says | What it means |
|---|---|
| Just “E304” or “Fatty Acid Esters of Ascorbic Acid”, no qualifier | Uncertain — source unstated. A strict vegan may want to avoid or contact the manufacturer. |
| “Of vegetable origin” or “vegetable fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid” | Vegan-safe — plant-derived, confirmed by the wording itself. |
| Certified vegan logo on the pack | Confirmed — the manufacturer has already verified the source for you. |
| Marked Kosher Pareve | Helpful hint, not proof — pareve means no meat or dairy, which usually points away from an animal source, but isn't a vegan guarantee on its own. |
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Helpful for vegan label reading
Resources for vegans checking E-numbers like E304
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E304 on any food label.
Vegan Label Reading
Books and pocket cards that decode E-numbers and hidden animal additives in seconds.
Certified Vegan Foods
Products with vegan certification logos — no ingredient-by-ingredient guessing.
E304 vegan FAQs
Is E304 vegan?
E304 source varies: plant or animal fat. Cannot be confirmed vegan without manufacturer verification.
Is E304 always non-vegan?
Not always — E304 can be either plant or animal-derived (plant or animal fat). Without certification, you can't tell from the label alone.
How can I tell if E304 is vegan in a specific product?
Look for a certified vegan logo (The Vegan Society, BeVeg, etc.) or contact the manufacturer to ask which source they use for E304.
Other additives to watch for vegans
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL). Vegan status reflects the most common source — always verify with manufacturer or look for certified vegan labelling.