Which foods contain titanium dioxide and is it safe?

The European Union officially banned titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022, concluding it could no longer be considered safe due to genotoxicity concerns. However, this substance is still found in thousands of food products in other regions, including the United States. This guide explores which foods contain titanium dioxide and addresses the ongoing regulatory debate surrounding its safety.

Quick Summary

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a common white food colorant found in many processed goods like candy, chewing gum, pastries, and sauces. Regulatory bodies have differing views on its safety, leading to a ban in the EU while remaining permitted in the U.S.

Key Points

• Prevalence in Candy: Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in many popular candies and confections to provide a bright white color and shiny coating.

• Found in Processed Goods: Beyond sweets, E171 can be found in processed products like chewing gum, some dairy products (cottage cheese, ice cream), sauces, and baked goods.

• Global Regulatory Differences: The EU banned E171 in 2022 due to genotoxicity concerns, while the US FDA continues to approve its use, reflecting a global debate over safety.

• Used for Aesthetics Only: The additive serves no nutritional or preservative function, acting purely as a whitening and opacifying agent for visual appeal.

• Nanoparticle Concern: A key point of contention is the presence of potentially genotoxic nanoparticles within food-grade titanium dioxide.

• Natural Alternatives Exist: Safer, natural alternatives for achieving white color and opacity, such as calcium carbonate and rice starch, are available and used by manufacturers.

• Ingredient Labeling Clues: Consumers can identify titanium dioxide by looking for "titanium dioxide," "color added," or E171 on ingredient lists.

Titanium dioxide, also known as the food additive E171, is an odorless white powder used by food manufacturers to enhance the whiteness, opacity, and brightness of a product. It has no nutritional value and is used purely for cosmetic purposes to improve visual appeal. The additive can be found in a surprisingly wide array of common processed foods. Navigating ingredient labels is key to understanding where this controversial substance might be lurking in your pantry.

Candy and Confectionery

Candy and sweets are one of the most prominent food categories containing titanium dioxide. The additive is frequently used as an undercoat to give hard-shelled candies a uniform, glossy finish before colored layers are added. It is also used to create bright, opaque colors in many confections.

• Hard-shelled candies: Products like Skittles, M&Ms, and other similar coated chocolates often contain titanium dioxide.
• Chewing gum: The white coating on many chewing gums, including some Dentyne and Mentos varieties, is due to titanium dioxide.
• Gummies and jelly beans: Certain brands of gummy candies, like Trolli sour gummies, and multi-colored jelly beans may use the additive.
• Cake decorations: Small, decorative candies, sprinkles, and edible glitters for baked goods commonly contain E171.

Baked Goods and Dairy Products

Beyond sweets, titanium dioxide provides opacity in many baked goods, frostings, and dairy items to achieve a clean, white appearance.

• Pastries and cakes: Items like snack cakes, cupcakes, and danishes may use titanium dioxide for color.
• Frosting and icings: The bright white of commercial frostings, both canned and pre-made, is often a result of this additive.
• Dairy-based products: Some versions of cottage cheese, coffee creamers, and ice creams may contain titanium dioxide.

Processed Foods and Sauces

Titanium dioxide is not limited to sweet treats. Its opacifying properties are also useful in a variety of savory and processed products to enhance their appearance.

• Sauces, soups, and dressings: White sauces, savory spreads, salad dressings, and some soups can contain the additive to improve color and consistency.
• Snack mixes: The white parts of some snack mixes, particularly those with coated candies or chocolate, include titanium dioxide.
• Processed nuts: Some processed nut products may use E171.
• Kids' meals: Certain brands of packaged kids' meals, such as some Lunchables, have been noted to contain it.

The Global Regulatory Landscape and Safety Concerns

The safety of titanium dioxide for human consumption is a subject of international debate, leading to significant variations in its legal status. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated E171 in 2021 and concluded that it could no longer be considered safe, primarily due to unresolved concerns about potential genotoxicity, or DNA damage. While the evidence for adverse effects was not conclusive, the inability to rule out risks led to its precautionary ban in the EU. In contrast, regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to approve its use, citing a lack of compelling evidence of harm at current consumption levels. A class-action lawsuit was even filed against the maker of Skittles over its use of titanium dioxide.

Alternatives to Titanium Dioxide

As regulatory scrutiny increases and consumer preference for "clean-label" ingredients grows, manufacturers are exploring alternatives to titanium dioxide. Several natural replacements offer similar whitening effects without the associated safety concerns.

Feature	Titanium Dioxide (E171)	Calcium Carbonate	Rice Starch
Source	Inorganic compound	Natural mineral	Plant-based
Safety Status	Banned in EU; permitted in US	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
Primary Function	Whitening and opacifying agent	Whitening agent; also a dietary supplement	Whitening agent; texturizing and bulking agent
Efficacy	Provides exceptional brightness and opacity	Offers moderate to good whiteness	Provides natural-looking, clean whiteness
Labeling	Labeled as "titanium dioxide," "color added," or E171	Labeled as "calcium carbonate"	Labeled as "rice starch"

How to Avoid Titanium Dioxide

For consumers wishing to reduce their intake of this additive, several strategies are effective:

1. Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Look for "titanium dioxide" or E171 on the ingredients list. In some cases, it may be hidden under less specific terms like "artificial color" or "color added," particularly in the U.S..
2. Choose Organic Products: Foods certified as organic cannot contain artificial color additives like titanium dioxide.
3. Reduce Processed Food Consumption: Since E171 is most common in ultra-processed foods, opting for whole, unprocessed foods is the simplest way to avoid it.
4. Seek Out Alternatives: Many manufacturers now offer products specifically marketed as free from artificial colors. For products that typically contain it, such as pastries or sauces, alternative brands can often be found.

Conclusion

While regulatory bodies in different regions have reached different conclusions regarding the safety of titanium dioxide (E171) in food, it is clear that this cosmetic additive is prevalent in many processed products, especially candies, baked goods, and certain sauces. The debate often hinges on the potential health effects of nanoparticles, a component of food-grade titanium dioxide, and whether those effects outweigh the product's purely visual benefits. For consumers in regions where the additive is still permitted, awareness of its presence in common foods and understanding ingredient labels are the best tools for making informed dietary choices. As the food industry continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and scientific findings, the move towards safer, natural alternatives like calcium carbonate and rice starch is gaining momentum. This shift suggests a future where visual appeal is achieved without the use of controversial additives.

Outbound Link: Consumer Safety and Food Additives

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is titanium dioxide added to food?

Titanium dioxide (E171) is added to food primarily as a white colorant and opacifying agent. It makes products appear whiter, brighter, and more visually appealing, and provides a smooth base coat for colorful coatings, especially in candies.

Is titanium dioxide safe to eat?

The safety of titanium dioxide is debated internationally. While the U.S. FDA considers its regulated use safe, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) banned it in the EU due to concerns over potential genotoxicity from nanoparticles. Other countries' evaluations vary.

What is E171 on a food label?

E171 is the European food additive code for titanium dioxide. In the U.S. and other regions, it is labeled as "titanium dioxide" or may be included under the broader term "color added".

Why was titanium dioxide banned in the EU?

The EU banned titanium dioxide (E171) based on a 2021 EFSA opinion that genotoxicity—the potential to damage DNA—could not be ruled out, citing the presence of nanoparticles.

What are some specific candies that contain titanium dioxide?

Many hard-shelled and coated candies, like Skittles, M&Ms, Trolli sour gummies, and Ring Pops, have contained titanium dioxide. Checking the ingredient list is the best way to confirm.

Are there alternatives to titanium dioxide in food?

Yes, manufacturers are increasingly using natural alternatives like calcium carbonate, rice starch, and other plant-based pigments to achieve a whitening or opacifying effect.

How can I avoid consuming titanium dioxide?

To avoid titanium dioxide, carefully read ingredient labels for "titanium dioxide" or "E171." Choosing certified organic products, which prohibit artificial colorants, and limiting consumption of processed foods are also effective strategies.

Does chewing gum contain titanium dioxide?

Yes, many brands of chewing gum contain titanium dioxide to provide a bright white, opaque coating. Examples include some varieties of Dentyne Ice, Stride, Mentos, and Trident.