TrueLabel
Point your phone at an ingredient list and get a plain-English explanation of every additive and E-number on it. Free Android app, works offline, no account.
π·οΈ Scan an ingredient list, understand what is in it
Ingredient lists are written to be legally correct, not readable. TrueLabel reads the label for you and explains each additive in ordinary words, so "E621" becomes something you can actually make a decision about.
What it does
- Scan the ingredient list with the camera β no typing codes in one at a time.
- Every E-number explained in plain language: what it is, what it does, and why it is in there.
- Flags the additives that carry warnings or restrictions in the EU.
- Works offline once installed, because the database lives on the phone.
Who it is for
Parents checking what is in the trolley, anyone managing an intolerance, and people who simply want to know what they are eating without a search engine per line.
What the E-number ranges actually mean
E-numbers are not random. The number tells you what job the additive does, and once you know the ranges you can read an ingredient list far faster than you can look each code up one at a time.
| Range | What it does |
|---|---|
| E100βE199 | Colours |
| E200βE299 | Preservatives |
| E300βE399 | Antioxidants and acidity regulators |
| E400βE499 | Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers |
| E500βE599 | Acidity regulators and anti-caking agents |
| E600βE699 | Flavour enhancers |
| E900βE999 | Glazing agents, sweeteners and foaming agents |
The letter E means the additive has been through European safety assessment and is approved for use. That is a statement about the general population at normal intake, not a verdict on whether it suits you in particular β which is why an intolerance is something you track yourself rather than something the label decides.
A few carry mandatory warnings. Six colours in the E100s β tartrazine, quinoline yellow, sunset yellow, carmoisine, ponceau 4R and allura red β must be sold with the line that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. If a label has one of those, the warning is required to be on the pack.
Questions people ask
What do E-numbers actually mean?
An E-number is a code for an additive approved for use in the EU. The letter says it passed a safety assessment; the number says which additive it is. Colours start at E100, preservatives at E200.
Do I need internet to scan?
No. The additive database is stored on the phone, so scanning and explanations work offline.
Does it tell me if something is unsafe?
It tells you what each additive is and flags the ones carrying official warnings or restrictions. It reports the regulatory position; it does not give medical advice.