E939Verpackungsgas

Helium

Learn what Helium (E939) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Generally recognized as safe

What is Helium?

Ein Lebensmittelzusatzstoff, der in der Lebensmittelindustrie als Treibgas zum Befüllen verschiedener Behälter (Gläser, Dosen usw.) verwendet wird. Es handelt sich um ein inertes Erdgas, das keine Auswirkungen auf Lebensmittel hat.

Why is Helium added to food?

Helium (E939) is a verpackungsgas commonly found in: Verschließen von Glas und Dose.

Permitted quantity: Die maximale Tagesdosis ist nicht angegeben.

Is Helium banned anywhere?

✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.

Common foods that contain Helium

  • Verschließen von Glas und Dose

See the full list of foods that contain Helium

How to spot Helium on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E939
  • Helium

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • helium
  • hellum

Better alternatives

Keiner.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • helium
  • hellum

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains Helium? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E939 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Helium

Is Helium safe to eat?
Helium has a harm level of 0 out of 3. Generally recognized as safe.
Is Helium banned anywhere?
Helium is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
How do I spot Helium on a food label?
Look for E939, Helium in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: helium, hellum.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.