Most additives are used in the food industry. The reason for this is faster and cheaper production and thus higher profits. Also, the reason for using additives is that manufacturers can decide for themselves how the product will look, smell and taste and color. Allowed food additives can be divided according to different criteria: origin, functional properties, level of harm to health, energy and biological activity. Additives approved for use are classified in the List of Food Additives and the List of Additives for Use in Additives, Enzymes, Flavorings and Nutrients. Both lists contain conditions for the use of additives. Food additives are marked with E numbers which are a confirmation of the evaluation, identification and classification of an individual additive. The legislation of the Republic of Croatia on food additives is fully harmonized with the regulations of the European Union that regulate the field of food additives, flavors, enzymes and nutrients. Most food additives used in the food industry are artificial additives. Nowadays, more and more natural alternatives are being developed to reduce the adverse impact on human health.