Tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 in the United States and E102 in Europe, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used to enhance the color of many commercial food products. Because it is a stable and inexpensive colorant, it is widely favored by manufacturers to create vibrant yellow and green hues in their products. However, this ubiquity makes it challenging for consumers concerned about its potential health effects to avoid it. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of brands and food categories where tartrazine is commonly found.
Major Food Categories and Brands Using Tartrazine
The presence of tartrazine is most often associated with processed foods, snacks, and beverages that have an artificial yellow or green color. However, it can also be found in products where a creamy or brown appearance is desired. Reading the ingredients list is the most reliable way to confirm its presence, as food additives are listed differently depending on the region.
Beverages
- Mountain Dew: The iconic neon-yellow soft drink is one of the most well-known products containing tartrazine.
- Gatorade: Several lemon-lime and other yellow/green sports drink flavors from this brand often use FD&C Yellow No. 5.
- Kool-Aid: Many powdered drink mixes, particularly those with lemon, orange, or tropical fruit flavors, contain tartrazine.
- Minute Maid: Some of its orange-flavored beverages and other fruit drinks have included this dye.
- Energency and Sports Drinks: Many brands in this category use tartrazine to create their signature bright colors.
Snacks and Confectionery
- Doritos: Both the Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch flavors have been noted to contain Yellow No. 5.
- Cheetos: The artificial orange color in Cheetos is created using tartrazine.
- M&M's: While recipes can vary by region, M&M's have been known to contain FD&C Yellow No. 5.
- Nerds: The bright, assorted colors in Nerds candies include tartrazine.
- Ruffles: The Cheddar & Sour Cream flavored chips from this brand have contained the yellow dye.
- General Mills Cereals: Certain sugary breakfast cereals, such as Lucky Charms (in the marshmallows), have utilized this food coloring.
Desserts and Baked Goods
- Jell-O: Various yellow and tropical flavored gelatins often contain tartrazine.
- Cake Mixes: Many brands of yellow cake mixes and frosting rely on FD&C Yellow No. 5 for their color.
- Instant Puddings: Instant custard and pudding powders frequently use tartrazine for their distinctive yellow hue.
Condiments and Pickles
- Mustard: Some brands of bright yellow mustard contain tartrazine, though many have now switched to natural colorants like turmeric.
- Pickles: Certain brands of pickles and relish use tartrazine to give them a vibrant yellow-green color.
How to Identify Tartrazine on a Product Label
Identifying tartrazine requires close attention to the ingredient list. Its presence can be noted in three primary ways depending on the country of origin and labeling laws:
- United States: Labeled as “FD&C Yellow No. 5” or “tartrazine”.
- Europe: Listed as “E102”.
- Other regions: May be labeled simply as “color” or with its E-number.
Additionally, many brands will also include a specific warning for individuals sensitive to the dye, particularly on medication labels in the U.S.. The European Union requires products containing tartrazine and five other artificial colors to carry a warning label stating they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”.
Comparison of Brands Using Tartrazine vs. Natural Alternatives
| Feature | Tartrazine-Containing Brands | Natural-Coloring Brands | Ingredients | Artificial FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102 | Annatto, turmeric, beta-carotene, saffron | Color Stability | Highly stable and vibrant | Can be less stable and fade with light or heat | Cost | Inexpensive to produce | Often more expensive due to sourcing and processing | Consumer Perception | Often viewed negatively by consumers seeking 'clean label' products | Considered safer and more appealing to health-conscious consumers | Regulation | Varying regulations; in the EU, requires a hyperactivity warning | Generally unregulated, as they are derived from natural sources | Target Audience | Products typically aimed at a broad market, often including children | Growing market segment focused on natural and organic products | Example Products | Mountain Dew, Doritos, Kool-Aid | Many organic and natural food brands, as well as mainstream brands offering 'natural' versions |
Why Some Consumers Avoid Tartrazine
Despite regulatory agencies like the FDA and WHO generally deeming tartrazine safe for the majority of the population, a small percentage of individuals report adverse reactions, prompting some to avoid the additive.
- Allergic Reactions: For susceptible individuals, consuming tartrazine can trigger allergic-type symptoms, including hives (urticaria), itching, swelling (angioedema), and even asthma. This is particularly noted in people who also have aspirin sensitivity.
- Hyperactivity in Children: A long-standing concern, particularly in Europe, links tartrazine and other artificial colors to behavioral issues like increased hyperactivity, irritability, and restlessness in some children. While evidence is debated, the EU mandates a warning label on products containing it.
- Potential for Contaminants: Some research has raised concerns about trace amounts of potential carcinogens, like benzidine, sometimes found in tartrazine, though the FDA has set strict limits.
For those seeking alternatives, natural yellow and orange colorings like annatto (E160b), beta-carotene (E160a), and turmeric (E100) are widely available in many natural and organic products.
Conclusion: Making Informed Food Choices
While tartrazine remains a common food additive, awareness of its presence in many popular products allows for more informed consumer decisions. Brands like Mountain Dew, Doritos, and certain Kool-Aid and Gatorade varieties are frequent sources of FD&C Yellow No. 5. Due to labeling variations, especially outside the U.S., familiarizing yourself with the different names—tartrazine, FD&C Yellow No. 5, or E102—is essential. By understanding where this dye hides and paying attention to ingredient labels, sensitive individuals and those wishing to reduce their intake can navigate the market more effectively and choose natural alternatives where available. The FDA's stance on food color safety can be reviewed at their official website.
How to Find Natural Alternatives to Tartrazine
When seeking to avoid tartrazine, several natural alternatives exist. Look for products that list these ingredients instead of E102 or FD&C Yellow No. 5:
- Annatto (E160b): Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, this provides a yellowish-orange color and is commonly used in cheeses, butter, and snack foods.
- Beta-Carotene (E160a): This natural pigment is found in carrots and other plants and provides a vibrant orange-yellow color. It is often used in margarine, dairy products, and baked goods.
- Turmeric (E100): A spice derived from the turmeric root, it offers a natural yellow hue and is used in a variety of foods and beverages, including mustard.
- Saffron (E164): Although more expensive, this spice also imparts a rich yellow color and is used in certain foods.
As consumer demand for natural products grows, more brands are transitioning away from synthetic colorants like tartrazine. Checking product packaging for natural ingredient lists is the surest way to make an informed choice.
