Is E308 Vegan? Gamma-Tocopherol
E308 (Gamma-Tocopherol) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Why is E308 check source?
Gamma-Tocopherol can be made from either plant or animal sources (plant oil). The label will not tell you which was used.
Is E308 vegetarian?
E308 is possibly vegetarian — check the source.
What should vegans do about E308?
Contact the manufacturer directly, or look for a certified vegan logo to be certain.
Reading the label for E308
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 “E308” or “Gamma-Tocopherol”, no qualifier | Uncertain — source unstated. A strict vegan may want to avoid or contact the manufacturer. |
| “Of vegetable origin” or “vegetable gamma-tocopherol” | 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. |
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Helpful for vegan label reading
Resources for vegans checking E-numbers like E308
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E308 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.
E308 vegan FAQs
Is E308 vegan?
E308 source varies: plant oil. Cannot be confirmed vegan without manufacturer verification.
Is E308 always non-vegan?
Not always — E308 can be either plant or animal-derived (plant oil). Without certification, you can't tell from the label alone.
How can I tell if E308 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 E308.
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.