Pure ingredients, checked with care
Food Additives We Look Out For
Some ingredients hide egg, insect or animal products behind a number on the label. Here is what we check for, and a guide you can use too.
Why We Read Every Label
In Australia, food additives are often listed by code number rather than by name. Most are plant-based or synthetic, but a few can come from eggs, insects or animals. Because every Haribol cake is egg-free and prepared in the spirit of prasadam, we look out for these additives when choosing ingredients such as colours, glazes, sprinkles and fillings.
Common additives that may not be vegetarian or egg-free
| Code | Additive | Where it can come from |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | Cochineal, carmine | Insects (a red colour) |
| 322 | Lecithin | Usually soy or sunflower, but can come from egg |
| 441 | Gelatine | Animal bones and skin |
| 471 | Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | Plant or animal fats |
| 542 | Edible bone phosphate | Animal bones |
| 631, 635 | Flavour enhancers (inosinates, ribonucleotides) | Can come from meat or fish |
| 904 | Shellac | Lac insects (a shiny glaze) |
| 920 | L-cysteine | Can come from feathers or hair |
| 1105 | Lysozyme | Egg white |
Full reference guide
Australian Food Additives Reference Guide
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Have a Dietary Question?
Tell us about any allergies or dietary needs when you enquire, and we will talk you through the ingredients.