What is E949?
E949 is Hydrogen — a gas produced industrially, used as a packaging gases & propellant to help protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers.
What is E949 (Hydrogen)?
E949 is the E-number for hydrogen, one of the packaging gases & propellants group of food additives (E290–E949). Additives in this group protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers. A gas produced industrially. Like every E-number, E949 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 E949 in detail below.
Where is E949 found?
E949 is typically used in bagged salads, crisps, fizzy drinks, squirty cream and modified-atmosphere packs. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E949) or by its full name, hydrogen. Common foods that may contain E949 include:
- Bagged salads
- Crisps
- Fizzy drinks
- Squirty cream and modified-atmosphere packs
Full guide: foods containing E949 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E949 safe?
E949 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 E949.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E949 vegan?
E949 is vegan. A gas produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E949 →Is E949 halal?
E949 is halal. A gas produced industrially, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E949 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E949 in food?
E949 is Hydrogen — a gas produced industrially, used as a packaging gases & propellant to help protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers.
Is E949 safe to eat?
Yes. E949 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E949 vegan?
E949 is vegan. A gas produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E949 halal?
E949 is halal. A gas produced industrially, 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).