Ingredient

Anchovy Essence

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add anchovy essence to impart a deep, savoury, umami flavour to foods. It …

What is Anchovy Essence?

Anchovy essence is a concentrated liquid flavouring derived from anchovies, a small, oily fish. It is made by processing anchovies to extract their intense umami flavour, often through fermentation or salting, followed by extraction and concentration.

Is Anchovy Essence vegan?

No. Anchovy Essence is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is Anchovy Essence gluten-free?

It is not a source of gluten.

Is Anchovy Essence a major allergen?

Anchovy essence is derived from fish, which is one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.

What is Anchovy Essence used for?

Manufacturers add anchovy essence to impart a deep, savoury, umami flavour to foods.

Is Anchovy Essence safe?

Anchovy essence is not a food additive and does not have an E-number.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add anchovy essence to impart a deep, savoury, umami flavour to foods. It is commonly used in sauces, dressings, marinades, and ready meals, particularly those featuring fish or seafood, to enhance their overall taste profile.

Health notes

Anchovy essence is not a food additive and does not have an E-number. It is a source of flavour and nutrients naturally present in fish. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) do not regulate it as an additive. As with any food ingredient, excessive consumption could lead to high intake of sodium if the anchovies were preserved with salt.

Allergen info

Anchovy essence is derived from fish, which is one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.

Foods that contain Anchovy Essence

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: 17 October 2026

Note: This site presents label data from Open Food Facts for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.