Digestoa
Additive · Antioxidant

Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306)

Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306) 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 Tocopherols (Vit E)?

Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid.

Is Tocopherols (Vit E) bad for you?

Tocopherols (Vit E) 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 Tocopherols (Vit E)?

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

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Tocopherols (Vit E). 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 E306 the same as Tocopherols (Vit E)?
Yes — E306 is the international additive (E-number) code for Tocopherols (Vit E).
Is Tocopherols (Vit E) bad for you?
Digestoa rates Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Tocopherols (Vit E)?
No significant side effects are associated with Tocopherols (Vit E) at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Tocopherols (Vit E)?
Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.
How can I avoid Tocopherols (Vit E)?
Check the ingredients list for "Tocopherols (Vit E)" or "E306", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related antioxidant additives

BHA (E320)BHT (E321)TBHQ (E319)Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300)Sodium ascorbate (E301)Alpha-tocopherol (E307)

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