Digestoa
Additive · Antioxidant

Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300)

Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300) is an antioxidant that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeAntioxidant
Found infatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods

What is Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?

Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid.

Is Ascorbic acid (Vit C) bad for you?

Ascorbic acid (Vit C) is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?

Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Ascorbic acid (Vit C). It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Prefer products preserved with vitamin E (E306) or rosemary extract.

Frequently asked questions

Is E300 the same as Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?
Yes — E300 is the international additive (E-number) code for Ascorbic acid (Vit C).
Is Ascorbic acid (Vit C) bad for you?
Digestoa rates Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?
No significant side effects are associated with Ascorbic acid (Vit C) at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?
Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.
How can I avoid Ascorbic acid (Vit C)?
Check the ingredients list for "Ascorbic acid (Vit C)" or "E300", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related antioxidant additives

BHA (E320)BHT (E321)TBHQ (E319)Sodium ascorbate (E301)Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306)Alpha-tocopherol (E307)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.