Ascorbyl palmitate
Function: Antioxidant
E304I is the European food-additive number for Ascorbyl palmitate, an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. ASCORBYL PALMITATE is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat-soluble form of vitamin C.
What is E304I used for?
Ascorbyl palmitate (E304I) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E304I safe or restricted?
E304I is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as “No regulatory flags” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E304I
- What is E304I?
- E304I is the E-number for Ascorbyl palmitate, an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. ASCORBYL PALMITATE is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat-soluble form of vitamin C.
- What is E304I used for?
- Ascorbyl palmitate (E304I) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E304I vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E304I safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E304I is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as "No regulatory flags" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E304I — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.