Is Yellow 6 a Natural Dye? Separating Fact from Food Coloring

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 50% of consumers surveyed by PepsiCo have sought to reduce their intake of artificial dyes, including Yellow 6. This widespread concern leads many to question the origin of this common food additive: is Yellow 6 a natural dye? The answer may surprise you, as its origins are far from natural.

Quick Summary

Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum, not a natural dye. It is widely used to impart a yellow-orange hue to processed foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Despite its artificial nature, it is approved by the FDA but faces regulatory scrutiny and consumer concern in various parts of the world.

Key Points

Synthetic Origin: Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic azo dye, not a natural one.
Petroleum Derived: Its production relies on petroleum-based derivatives and chemical synthesis, not natural sources.
Functional Use: The primary purpose of Yellow 6 is to provide a consistent and vibrant yellow-orange color to processed foods, beverages, and cosmetics.
FDA Approved: While considered safe in regulated amounts by the FDA in the U.S., it has faced health concerns and restrictions in other countries.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Common natural substitutes for Yellow 6 include annatto, turmeric, and beta-carotene, often derived from plants.
Consumer Demand: Growing consumer preference for 'clean label' products without artificial colors is driving the food industry to reformulate recipes with natural dyes.

What is Yellow 6?

Yellow 6, known as FD&C Yellow No. 6 in the U.S. and E110 in Europe, is a synthetic azo dye used to give a yellow-orange color to many processed foods and drinks. Unlike natural colorings from plants or minerals, Yellow 6 is made through a chemical process using petroleum products. Its purpose is purely to enhance the visual appeal of products.

The Composition and Manufacturing of Yellow 6

The chemical name for Yellow 6 is disodium 6-hydroxy-5-[(4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonate. It's made by combining 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalene-sulfonic acid through a chemical reaction. This results in a sodium salt that is then processed into the color additive. This manufacturing method is entirely different from how natural colors like turmeric or annatto are obtained, which involves extraction from natural sources. Synthetic production makes Yellow 6 more consistent and often cheaper than natural options.

Why is Yellow 6 not a natural dye?

The classification of a food additive as 'natural' or 'synthetic' depends on its origin and how it's made. Natural colors come from sources like plants, animals, or minerals with minimal processing. Synthetic dyes, such as Yellow 6, are created in labs from non-natural materials, like petroleum derivatives. The key difference is that natural dyes exist in nature, while Yellow 6 is synthesized from materials not found naturally as a colorant.

Yellow 6 vs. Natural Alternatives: A Comparison

Here's a look at how Yellow 6 compares to natural colorings:


Feature	Yellow 6 (Synthetic Dye)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Turmeric, Annatto)
Source	Petroleum derivatives	Plants (turmeric rhizome, annatto seeds)
Cost	Generally more economical due to mass production	Can be more expensive and variable in price
Color Consistency	Highly consistent and vibrant shade	May vary in hue and intensity based on crop and extraction method
Stability	Known for good heat, light, and acid stability	Often less stable, sensitive to heat, light, and pH
Processing	Complex chemical synthesis in a lab	Extraction and concentration from a natural source
Labeling	Clearly listed as "Yellow 6," "FD&C Yellow No. 6," or "E110"	Often labeled with the source, such as "turmeric extract" or "annatto"

The Shift Towards Natural Alternatives

Consumer preference for natural ingredients has led the food industry to look for alternatives to synthetic dyes. Companies are replacing Yellow 6 with options like beta-carotene, turmeric, and paprika. This change is influenced by regulations in some areas and growing public concern about potential health effects linked to artificial colors, including hypersensitivity and behavioral issues in children.

Where is Yellow 6 found?

Yellow 6 is common in processed foods, especially those with bright colors, due to its stability and low cost. It can be found in:

Snack foods: Cheese-flavored snacks like Cheetos and Doritos.
Breakfast cereals: Many sweet and fruity cereals.
Beverages: Sodas, fruit drinks, and certain sports drinks.
Desserts: Gelatin, pudding mixes, and brightly colored candies.
Condiments: Some sauces and dressings.
Medications and Cosmetics: Various pharmaceuticals and personal care items.

How to Identify Yellow 6 on Food Labels

To avoid this dye, check ingredient lists for "Yellow 6" or "FD&C Yellow No. 6" in the U.S.. In Europe, look for the code "E110". Many brands now label products as being free of artificial colors. Choosing items colored with natural ingredients like annatto or turmeric is another way to avoid synthetic dyes.

Conclusion: Yellow 6 Is Not a Natural Dye

The question of whether Yellow 6 is a natural dye has a clear answer: it is not. As a synthetic azo dye made from petroleum, it is used purely for cosmetic purposes in food. While regulatory bodies like the FDA deem it safe within set limits, its artificial origin and links to consumer health worries have led many to prefer natural alternatives. By understanding the difference between synthetic and natural ingredients, consumers can make more informed food choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) and Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) are different synthetic food dyes with distinct chemical structures, though both are used for coloring foods.

Yellow 6 is also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110 in Europe.

Natural alternatives include beta-carotene from carrots, turmeric, and annatto, which can provide a yellow to orange-yellow color.

Food manufacturers often use synthetic dyes like Yellow 6 because they are more affordable, more stable, and provide a more consistent color than many natural alternatives.

Yes, some countries, including Norway and Finland, have banned Yellow 6 due to health concerns, and its regulation differs across regions.

Some individuals, particularly those with aspirin sensitivities or asthma, may experience hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Yellow 6.

Historically, some samples of Yellow 6 were found to contain traces of benzidine, a known carcinogen, but modern safety regulations aim to minimize such contaminants.