What is E270?
E270 is Lactic Acid — an acid produced by fermentation and used to preserve and flavour foods — usually vegan, despite the name.
What is E270 (Lactic Acid)?
E270 is the E-number for lactic acid, one of the preservatives group of food additives (E200–E299). Additives in this group prevent spoilage by stopping the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts. Produced by fermenting sugars — usually from plants, though the fermentation medium can involve dairy. Despite its name, lactic acid in food additives is almost always made by fermenting plant sugars such as beet or corn — not from milk. The name comes from where it was first discovered, not where it is made today. Like every E-number, E270 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E270 in detail below.
Where is E270 found?
E270 is typically used in soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E270) or by its full name, lactic acid. Common foods that may contain E270 include:
- Yoghurt and fermented foods
- Sourdough bread
- Salad dressings
- Olives
- Confectionery
Full guide: foods containing E270 and how to spot it on labels →
E270 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Lactic Acid safe?
Is E270 safe?
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.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E270 vegan?
E270 is uncertain for vegans — it is produced by fermenting sugars — usually from plants, though the fermentation medium can involve dairy, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E270 →Is E270 halal?
E270 is halal. Produced by fermenting sugars — usually from plants, though the fermentation medium can involve dairy, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E270 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E270 in food?
E270 is Lactic Acid — an acid produced by fermentation and used to preserve and flavour foods — usually vegan, despite the name.
Is E270 safe to eat?
Yes. E270 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E270 vegan?
E270 is uncertain for vegans — it is produced by fermenting sugars — usually from plants, though the fermentation medium can involve dairy, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E270 halal?
E270 is halal. Produced by fermenting sugars — usually from plants, though the fermentation medium can involve dairy, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).