Is e173 vegan?

E173 is the E-number for aluminium, a metallic food coloring used to provide a shiny, silver finish. It is derived entirely from mineral sources, primarily extracted from bauxite ore through chemical refining and electrolytic reduction. After extraction, the metal is processed into a fine powder or thin leaf suitable for specialized decorative uses in food manufacturing.

This additive is primarily used for external surface coatings rather than being mixed directly into foods. It is most commonly listed on the ingredient labels of metallic cake decorations, silver sugar dragées, pastry garnishes, and festive confectionery.

E173 is vegan because it is of purely mineral origin. No animal tissues, byproducts, or animal-derived processing aids are used during the mining, refining, or fabrication of aluminium, making the ingredient entirely free of animal sources.