E315 · Erythorbic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E315?
Erythorbic acid is a stereoisomer of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) manufactured from sugars, used as an antioxidant in processed meats, beverages, and baked goods. It prevents fats and colorants from oxidizing and helps cured meats retain their color. Unlike ascorbic acid, it has little to no vitamin C activity in the body, so it should not be considered a source of vitamin C.
Also appears on labels as: Erythorbic acid, E315, E 315, E-315, Isoascorbic acid, D-Isoascorbic acid, Erythorbate, Araboascorbic acid, Erythorbic acid (antioxidant), Food additive E315, Eritorbo rūgštis, Eritorbskābe.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-additive levels.
- Provides essentially no vitamin C nutritional value despite its chemical similarity to ascorbic acid.
Frequently asked questions
Is E315 safe?
Our overall verdict for E315 (Erythorbic acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E315 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Erythorbic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E315 and why is it used?
Erythorbic acid is a stereoisomer of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) manufactured from sugars, used as an antioxidant in processed meats, beverages, and baked goods. It prevents fats and colorants from oxidizing and helps cured meats retain their color. Unlike ascorbic acid, it has little to no vitamin C activity in the body, so it should not be considered a source of vitamin C.
Does E315 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Erythorbic acid.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.