My diet:

E306 Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

E306AntioxidantsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant oils.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

An oil-based vitamin with no carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Tocopherols (E306) are natural vitamin E, added to stop oils from going rancid. They're safe, vegan and fit every diet we check.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE306
Comes fromPlant
What it doesAntioxidants
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledMixed tocopherols, Tocopherol-rich extract

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere. FDA lists tocopherols as GRAS preservatives, and EFSA re-checked them in 2015 with no safety concern at food levels.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Tocopherols are the forms of vitamin E found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. They soak up the oxygen damage that makes fats taste stale, so they're a natural swap for BHA and BHT.

Where it comes from: Distilled from vegetable oil, most often soybean oil, as a by-product of refining. Sunflower and other oils are also used.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps oils, nuts and snacks from going rancid
  • Replaces synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT
  • Protects omega-3 oils and fish oil
  • Adds vitamin E to cereals and supplements

Often found in

Cooking oilsCerealGranola and nut barsPet foodFish oil capsulesCrackers

Also listed as: Mixed tocopherols, Tocopherol-rich extract, Natural mixed tocopherols, Vitamin E, Natural vitamin E, E307, E308, E309, Alpha-tocopherol

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern at the levels used to protect food.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)

Soy allergyBenefit

Highly refined tocopherols from soy contain almost no soy protein, and the EU exempts them from soy allergen labeling.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex II

High-dose supplementsUnder study

Daily 400 IU vitamin E pills raised prostate cancer risk in a large trial. Amounts in food are far lower.

Klein et al., JAMA (2011)

What can I use instead?

Rosemary extract

Ratio: To label

Best for: Oils, meats and snacks

Ascorbic acid

Ratio: To label

Best for: Fruit and drinks

Related

More antioxidants:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safeBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoidBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative in cereal and snacks. It's approved, but evidence on long-term effects is mixed, and many brands have dropped it.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Tocopherols safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved everywhere. FDA lists tocopherols as GRAS preservatives, and EFSA re-checked them in 2015 with no safety concern at food levels.

Is Tocopherols vegan?

Yes. Made from plant oils.

Is Tocopherols gluten-free?

Yes.

Are tocopherols the same as vitamin E?

Yes. Tocopherols are the main forms of vitamin E. Mixed tocopherols contain several forms; alpha-tocopherol is the one the body uses most.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 182.3890 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E306
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex II
  • Klein et al., JAMA (2011)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 306