What Foods Is Tartrazine Found In?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

An estimated 1 in 10,000 people are sensitive enough to develop hives after ingesting tartrazine, a common yellow food dye also known as E102 or FD&C Yellow 5. This synthetic additive is found in a surprisingly wide array of processed foods, from beverages and snacks to condiments and baked goods.

Quick Summary

Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow food dye (E102/FD&C Yellow 5), is prevalent in many processed foods to enhance their color. It is commonly found in candies, soft drinks, cereals, baked goods, sauces, and instant food products.

Key Points

Prevalence: Tartrazine, also known as E102 or FD&C Yellow 5, is a common synthetic yellow food dye used in many processed foods.
Common Sources: Foods where you can find tartrazine include soft drinks, candies, flavored chips, baked goods, custards, and certain sauces like mustard.
Identification: Look for "Tartrazine," "E102," or "FD&C Yellow 5" on ingredient labels to identify its presence. In Canada, it may be listed simply as "colour".
Associated Risks: The dye has been linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and other sensitivities in a small percentage of the population.
Regulation: While approved for use in many countries, regulations vary. In the EU, products with tartrazine require a warning about potential effects on children.
Alternatives: Natural alternatives like turmeric or beta-carotene are available, and demand for these is increasing as consumers seek cleaner labels.

Common Food Categories Containing Tartrazine

Tartrazine, a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye, is a cost-effective and stable colorant used across the food industry. Its purpose is to give products a bright yellow or green hue, which is achieved by mixing it with blue dyes. However, this vibrant appearance means that tartrazine is frequently hidden in many commercial foods. For individuals with sensitivities, or those simply wishing to avoid artificial ingredients, knowing which food categories commonly contain this additive is crucial.

Beverages

Soft drinks, sports drinks, and flavored water are some of the most common sources of tartrazine. Brands like Mountain Dew and Kool-Aid are well-known for using this dye to achieve their characteristic colors. Powdered drink mixes, fruit cordials, and even some alcoholic beverages also contain E102.

Snacks and Confectionery

From colorful candy to savory chips, the snack aisle is another hotbed for tartrazine. Gummy bears, hard candies, chewing gum, and instant puddings often use E102 for their vibrant look. Flavored corn chips like Doritos, various potato chips, and even some microwave popcorn and cereals can contain this synthetic color.

Desserts and Baked Goods

The appealing appearance of many desserts and baked goods is a result of artificial colors like tartrazine. This is particularly true for products with bright yellow or cream-colored fillings, icings, or mixes.

Ice cream and ice pops: Many brightly colored frozen treats owe their vividness to E102.
Cake mixes and pastries: Packaged cake mixes, custards, and pastries often contain this dye.
Jellies and jams: To ensure a consistent yellow color, some jams, jellies, and marmalades use tartrazine.

Condiments and Sauces

Even some condiments and sauces, which are not typically associated with bright colors, can contain tartrazine. Yellow mustard, horseradish sauce, and certain processed sauces use the additive to maintain a standard, consistent color. Pickles and other pickled products are also on the list of potential sources.

Other Processed Foods

Beyond the obvious candidates, tartrazine can be found in a variety of other processed foods, often mixed with other dyes to achieve a desired color. This can include:

Instant and cube-based soups
Pre-cooked or dried noodles and pastas
Cereal products, such as corn flakes
Some dairy-based products, including flavored yogurts

How to Identify Tartrazine on Food Labels

For consumers, identifying tartrazine is paramount for avoidance. In many countries, strict labeling regulations require the presence of this additive to be declared. While the specific label may vary, here is what to look for:

FD&C Yellow No. 5: The required label in the United States.
E102: The European E-number for tartrazine.
Tartrazine: Often listed explicitly by name on the ingredients list.
"Colour" (or "Color"): Some Canadian products may simply list "colour" without specifying the exact dye.

Natural vs. Synthetic Colorants

To better understand the food additives, here is a comparison of tartrazine with common natural alternatives.


Feature	Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5 / E102)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Turmeric, Beta-Carotene)
Source	Synthetic, derived from petroleum chemicals.	Derived from plants (e.g., turmeric root, carrots).
Cost	Typically low-cost, making it attractive for mass production.	Can be more expensive, depending on the source.
Color Intensity	Bright, vibrant yellow. Stable across various conditions.	Color can be less intense and more susceptible to fading from heat and light.
Health Impact	Associated with allergic reactions, hives, asthma, and behavioral changes in some sensitive individuals.	Generally considered safe, with some exceptions for allergies.
Labeling	Explicitly listed by name (Tartrazine, E102, FD&C Yellow 5) or with a warning in some regions.	Listed by name, like "turmeric" or "beta-carotene".
Prevalence	Very common in processed foods, drinks, and confectionery.	Growing in popularity as consumer demand for "clean-label" products increases.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

As tartrazine remains a ubiquitous additive in a vast number of commercially processed foods, beverages, and snacks, it is up to the consumer to be vigilant. The dye's stability and low cost make it a staple for manufacturers, but its use comes with potential health considerations for sensitive individuals, including allergic reactions and behavioral effects in children. By carefully reading ingredient labels for identifiers like E102 or FD&C Yellow 5, and opting for products with natural colorants, consumers can make informed decisions about their dietary intake. This knowledge empowers consumers to navigate the food industry and prioritize their health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tartrazine, also known as E102 or FD&C Yellow 5, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used as a food coloring additive.

No, tartrazine is not harmful to everyone. While most people can consume it without issue, a small percentage of the population, particularly those with existing sensitivities, may experience allergic reactions, hives, or asthma symptoms.

To check for tartrazine, read the food's ingredient list and look for "Tartrazine," "E102," or "FD&C Yellow 5." In some regions, it may be labeled as a generic "colour".

The link between tartrazine and hyperactivity, particularly in children, is controversial. Some studies have suggested a link, prompting a warning label in the EU, but scientific consensus is not definitive, and the effect is likely limited to predisposed individuals.

Tartrazine can be found in many soft drinks, flavored milk, energy drinks, powdered drink mixes (like Kool-Aid), and some fruit cordials.

Tartrazine has faced bans or restrictions in several countries over time. For example, it was previously banned in Austria and Norway, but those bans were later lifted to comply with EU regulations.

Yes, natural alternatives exist, such as turmeric or beta-carotene, which are used to produce yellow or orange colors. The use of natural colorants is increasing due to growing consumer awareness.