Is Tocopherols (E306) Vegan?

Vegan status: Depends on Source

E-number: E306

Also known as: Vitamin E, Alpha-tocopherol (E307), Gamma-tocopherol (E308), Delta-tocopherol (E309), Mixed tocopherols

Source

Found naturally in plant oils (particularly sunflower, soybean, wheat germ, and palm oil) and in animal-derived foods. Commercial food-grade tocopherols are extracted primarily from vegetable oil deodoriser distillate (a byproduct of vegetable oil refining) [vegan]. Some pharmaceutical-grade vitamin E supplements use synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol [vegan] or natural d-alpha-tocopherol from plant sources [vegan].

Commonly found in

Vegetable oils, nuts, margarine, plant-based spreads. Used as a natural antioxidant to prevent rancidity.

Vegan alternative: Plant-derived tocopherols are the standard — vegan by default in most applications.

Notes

The vast majority of E306-E309 used in food is derived from vegetable oil processing and is vegan. The potential animal concern arises in some pharmaceutical supplement formulations where fish-liver-oil-derived vitamin E has historically been used. Standard food-grade tocopherols are vegan. Look for 'natural vitamin E' from sunflower or soy on supplement labels as confirmation.