What are additives and why are they in your drinks?

An additive is an ingredient used to provide flavour and/or colour to our drinks. Many additives, such as E numbers, are present naturally.

If a food additive has an E number, this is assurance that it has passed safety tests and is approved for use throughout the EU. This approval is monitored and reviewed in the light of new scientific data. In order to be authorised it must be demonstrated that an additive is both harmless and useful. The E reference for each additive refers to Europe and shows that the additive is authorised in Europe. In effect, the E is a guarantee of safety. Find out more about E numbers.