Digestoa
Additive · Antioxidant

Alpha-tocopherol (E307)

Alpha-tocopherol (E307) 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 Alpha-tocopherol?

Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid.

Is Alpha-tocopherol bad for you?

Alpha-tocopherol 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 Alpha-tocopherol?

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

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Alpha-tocopherol. 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 E307 the same as Alpha-tocopherol?
Yes — E307 is the international additive (E-number) code for Alpha-tocopherol.
Is Alpha-tocopherol bad for you?
Digestoa rates Alpha-tocopherol (E307) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Alpha-tocopherol?
No significant side effects are associated with Alpha-tocopherol at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Alpha-tocopherol?
Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.
How can I avoid Alpha-tocopherol?
Check the ingredients list for "Alpha-tocopherol" or "E307", 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)Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306)

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