What is E141?
E141 is the food additive code for copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, which are natural green colorants derived from plant sources like grass, nettles, and alfalfa. Natural chlorophyll is unstable when exposed to light and heat, so the addition of copper creates a more stable, vibrant green pigment. This stabilized version is widely used in the food industry to achieve a consistent green color.
The additive is divided into two primary types based on solubility:
- E141(i) - Copper complexes of chlorophylls: This form is oil-soluble and is best suited for products with a neutral or slightly acidic environment, such as creams and sauces.
- E141(ii) - Copper complexes of chlorophyllins: This form is water-soluble, making it ideal for beverages and other aqueous solutions.
Foods Containing E141
The application of E141 is extensive across many food categories, particularly those requiring a bright, stable green shade. Common items include:
- Sweets and Confectionery: A significant user of E141, these products include green candies, jelly beans, fruit pastilles, and mint-flavored chocolates. Examples found on labels include Cadbury's Dairy Milk Bubbly Mint, Nestlé's Aero Peppermint, and various jelly bean brands.
- Beverages: E141 is used to color a wide range of green drinks. This includes soft drinks, fruit juices, flavored waters, some alcoholic beverages, and green-colored smoothies. In the US, it's permitted in citrus-based dry beverage mixes.
- Dairy Products and Desserts: To color items like mint chocolate chip ice cream, pistachio gelato, and some flavored yogurts, E141 is a common ingredient. It provides a consistent, appetizing green.
- Processed Foods and Sauces: The additive adds color to certain processed foods, especially those that would naturally have a green hue but need a more vibrant appearance. This includes mint sauces, mushy peas, and some green curry pastes.
- Other Products: Look for E141 in other processed goods like wasabi peas, some fruit preparations in yogurt, and even certain bakery decorations and coatings.
Comparison: E141 (Copper Chlorophyllin) vs. E140 (Chlorophyll)
While both are green food colorants derived from chlorophyll, their composition and uses differ significantly due to the stabilization process involving copper.
| Feature | E141 (Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls) | E140 (Chlorophylls) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Natural chlorophyll with a central copper atom, providing stability. | Unmodified natural chlorophyll pigment from plants. |
| Stability | Highly stable against light and heat, maintaining a vibrant green color. | Unstable and prone to degradation when exposed to light and heat, turning brown. |
| Solubility | Varies by type: E141(i) is oil-soluble, E141(ii) is water-soluble. | Primarily oil-soluble; limited applications in water-based products. |
| Appearance | Intense, consistent blue-green to dark green color. | Less vibrant green color that fades easily. |
| Usage | Wider range of applications, especially in processed foods requiring heat treatment or long storage. | Mostly used in minimally processed or fresh products to avoid color change. |
How to Identify E141 on a Food Label
Food labeling regulations require manufacturers to list all food additives, including colorants. In Europe, E141 will be listed by its E-number, E141, or its full name, copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. In the United States, it is listed as 'Sodium copper chlorophyllin'. Always read the ingredients list carefully, especially for products with a distinct green color, to identify the presence of this additive.
Conclusion
E141 is a widely used food colorant that provides a stable, vibrant green hue to a vast array of processed foods, including sweets, beverages, dairy products, and sauces. Derived from natural chlorophyll, its enhanced stability, achieved through the addition of copper, makes it a favored choice over its less stable predecessor, E140. While regulatory bodies generally consider it safe within set limits, consumers can remain informed by carefully checking product labels for E141 or its alternative name.
