E1201 · Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Limited risk

Clarifier and tablet binder.

Category: Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a synthetic polymer used to clear haze from drinks and bind tablets.

How it is used in food

A polymer that grabs the polyphenols which would haze beer and juice, then gets filtered out with them.

Commonly found in

Beer and wine clarification
Fruit juice
Supplement tablets

Health and safety

None major.

Used mainly as a processing aid.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number: E1201

Worth knowing

Any trace that remains passes through unabsorbed.

Conclusion

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is only a limited concern in your diet. Used mainly as a processing aid to clear haze from beer, wine, and fruit juice, this synthetic polymer grabs polyphenols and gets filtered out during production. Because very little stays in finished drinks or supplement tablets, it presents no major health risks.

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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