What Does E1505 (Triethyl Citrate) Mean on a Food Label?

What the E1505 Code Means on Your Food Label

When you see E1505 or triethyl citrate listed in the ingredients of a meringue mix or dried egg-white product, the technical name can feel off-putting. In plain terms, it is a citrate-based carrier and foam stabiliser. In the European and UK additives system, E-numbers in the E1500 range cover miscellaneous additives, including carriers and solvents. E1505 is triethyl citrate, an ester made by combining citric acid—the mild acid found in lemons—with food-grade alcohol. The result is a clear, odourless liquid. When the code appears on a label, the manufacturer has used a small amount of this ingredient to stabilise a foam or to carry another ingredient evenly through the product.

Why Manufacturers Add It

Triethyl citrate has a few specialised roles in food production:

• Foam stabiliser. Its classic use is in dried egg white and meringue mixes, where it helps the whipped foam stay airy and hold its volume. This is particularly useful for home bakers who rely on pre-packaged meringue powders for pavlovas or mousses.
• Carrier solvent. It can dissolve flavourings and other additives so they spread evenly throughout a product. This is why it is classed as a carrier—it ensures every spoonful tastes consistent.
• Coating plasticiser. It makes film coatings flexible, a role it also plays in pharmaceutical tablets and food packaging materials.

Is It Natural or Artificial?

Triethyl citrate is a modified natural derivative: it is built from citric acid and alcohol, both food-grade. It is generally suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, and kosher diets, though anyone with specific dietary requirements can confirm sourcing with the manufacturer. In the body, it breaks down into citric acid and a trace of ethanol, both handled by normal metabolism. According to the UK Food Standards Agency, E1505 is approved for use in food products across the European Union and the United Kingdom.

How Much Is in Your Food?

EU and UK rules list ingredients by weight from most to least. Because E1505 is used in tiny, specialised amounts, it appears near the end of the list. It is usually written as carrier (triethyl citrate) or stabiliser: E1505. A typical meringue mix might contain less than 0.1% of this additive by weight, meaning your dietary exposure is minimal.

Should You Be Concerned?

No. Triethyl citrate is approved in the EU and UK, and the US FDA classifies it as Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0–20 mg per kilogram of body weight. Because the additive is used so sparingly—often in amounts far below 1% of the product—dietary exposure stays well below any level of concern. Its strong safety record is exactly why it is also chosen as a non-toxic plasticiser for medicines and food-contact materials. If you have specific health concerns, consult a medical professional or refer to EFSA's published safety assessments on food additives.

Practical Takeaways for Shoppers

When you see E1505 on a label, here is what it means for your shopping decisions:

• It is not a preservative or colour. It is a processing aid that improves texture or ensures even distribution of flavours.
• It is safe for everyday consumption. Regulatory bodies across Europe and the US have reviewed it extensively.
• It is diet-friendly. It suits vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, and kosher diets, though always check with the manufacturer for specific certification.
• It appears in small amounts. You will find it near the end of the ingredient list, indicating its low concentration.

In short, E1505 on a label means your food contains a small amount of a citrate-based carrier or foam stabiliser, most often there to keep a meringue or egg-white whip light and stable. It is considered safe for everyday consumption by UK and EU food safety authorities.