My diet:

E307 Alpha-tocopherol (Synthetic vitamin E)

E307AntioxidantsOrigin: Lab-made
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Every diet

VeganYes

Synthetic, so no animal source. Check that the label says synthetic if you want to be certain.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the synthetic form of vitamin E. It stops oils and fats from going rancid. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free, and it's the same molecule the body uses.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE307
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesAntioxidants
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSynthetic vitamin E, dl-alpha-tocopherol

Rules by country

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

Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an antioxidant that protects fats and oils from going rancid. It is also used as a vitamin in supplements and fortified foods.

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

What is it?

Alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E the human body uses most. Food makers add it to fats and oils because it reacts with oxygen before the fat does, so the product stays fresh longer.

Where it comes from: Made by chemical synthesis from petrochemical starting materials. It is the single most active form of vitamin E, unlike the mixed natural tocopherols (E306) that come from vegetable oil.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops oils and fats from going rancid
  • Keeps snack foods and cereals fresh
  • Protects vitamins added to fortified foods
  • Extends shelf life of baked goods

Often found in

Vegetable oilsBreakfast cerealsCrackersMargarineFortified drinks

Also listed as: Synthetic vitamin E, dl-alpha-tocopherol, Alpha tocopherol, E307

Health & gut impact

Vitamin EBenefit

It is the form of vitamin E the body uses most. At additive levels, it adds little beyond the vitamin already in a normal diet.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2008)

What can I use instead?

Mixed tocopherols

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Clean-label oils and snacks

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 safeAscorbyl palmitate (Fat-soluble vitamin C) E304Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is vitamin C joined to a fatty acid, so it can protect oils instead of water. It stops fats going rancid, and most people tolerate it well.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

What is the difference between E307 and E306?

E306 is a natural blend of several tocopherols from vegetable oil. E307 is one synthetic form, alpha-tocopherol.

Is E307 safe?

Yes. It is approved in the US, EU and Canada, and the body uses the same molecule as the vitamin in food.

Is Alpha-tocopherol safe?

Generally safe (90/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an antioxidant that protects fats and oils from going rancid. It is also used as a vitamin in supplements and fortified foods.

Is Alpha-tocopherol vegan?

Yes. Synthetic, so no animal source. Check that the label says synthetic if you want to be certain.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E307
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2008)

INS 307 · CAS 59-02-9