INS 270 is the code for lactic acid
Gives a mild sourness and lowers pH in beverages, confectionery and dairy.
- What it does
- Controls acidity An acidity regulator
- Vegetarian?
- Depends on the maker Source not stated on the label
- In the Zabel score
- Takes no points off Method 1.0.0
- In our catalogue
- 41 packs List it in their ingredients
Is INS 270 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 270 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
| Food category | Share | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Bread and buns | 28% | |
| Chips and crisps | 17% | |
| Biscuits and cookies | 11% | |
| Yoghurt and curd | 8% | |
| Nuts and dried fruit | 8% | |
| Everything else | 28% |
Counted from the 41 packs in Zabel's catalogue that list INS 270, 36 of which have a food category so far. Counted 4 Nov 2026.
What does the evidence say about INS 270?
We grade an additive by the evidence about it, not by whether it sounds like a chemical, and we make no claim about whether a pack complies with FSSAI rules.
No numerical limit and no identified concern at food levels. Despite the name, commercial lactic acid is normally made by fermenting plant carbohydrate, not from milk - but the production route is not declared.
Does Zabel mark INS 270 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0). Read the method.
Questions people search
What is INS 270?
INS 270 is the code for lactic acid, an acidity regulator. Gives a mild sourness and lowers pH in beverages, confectionery and dairy.
Is INS 270 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 270 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
What does the evidence say about INS 270?
No numerical limit and no identified concern at food levels. Despite the name, commercial lactic acid is normally made by fermenting plant carbohydrate, not from milk - but the production route is not declared.
Does Zabel mark INS 270 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0).
Sources
- 01 Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) WHO / FAO, 2024
- 02 Zabel catalogue - pack counts, food categories and the codes printed alongside 4 Nov 2026
Entry updated 19 Sep 2026 · Not reviewed by a dietitian yet · Report an error on this page
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