What Is E100?
E100 is the E-number for curcumin, a natural yellow-orange pigment extracted from turmeric root (Curcuma longa). It's used as a food colouring to give products a warm yellow or golden hue.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a spice, dye, and traditional medicine in South Asian cuisines. The curcumin extract used in food is the same compound that gives curry its distinctive yellow colour.
✓ Safety Verdict: Generally Safe
E100 (curcumin) is considered one of the safest food additives. It's natural, well-tolerated, and may even have health benefits. No significant safety concerns for the general population.
Common Uses of E100 (Curcumin)
You'll find E100 in many UK foods:
- Dairy products: Butter, margarine, cheese (especially processed cheese)
- Baked goods: Cakes, pastries, biscuits
- Sauces and condiments: Mustard, curry sauces, pickles
- Ready meals: Indian and Asian dishes, rice products
- Snacks: Crisps, popcorn, savoury snacks
- Beverages: Some soft drinks and flavoured drinks
Is E100 Safe?
Curcumin is widely regarded as one of the safest food colourings available.
Regulatory Approval
E100 is approved for use in the UK, EU, US, and most countries worldwide. It's considered safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), US FDA, and other regulatory bodies.
Natural and Well-Tolerated
Because curcumin comes from turmeric, a widely consumed spice, it has a long history of safe use in food. Most people tolerate it very well with no side effects.
Potential Health Benefits
Curcumin is actually studied for its potential health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: May help reduce inflammation in the body
- Antioxidant activity: Protects cells from oxidative damage
- Digestive support: Traditionally used to support digestion
- Joint health: Some research suggests benefits for joint pain and arthritis
However, the amounts used as food colouring are much smaller than therapeutic doses, so you're unlikely to experience significant health effects from E100 in processed foods.
💡 Key Takeaway
E100 is a safe, natural food colouring with no known health risks at typical consumption levels. If you're trying to avoid artificial additives, curcumin is one of the better options.
Are There Any Concerns?
E100 is extremely safe, but there are a few minor points to be aware of:
- Staining: Curcumin can stain clothing, surfaces, and teeth (temporarily) due to its strong yellow pigment
- Rare allergies: Very rarely, people with turmeric allergies may react to curcumin
- High doses: At supplement-level doses (much higher than food use), curcumin may interact with certain medications
These concerns don't apply to the small amounts used in food colouring.
E100 vs Artificial Yellow Colours
E100 is often used as a natural alternative to synthetic yellow dyes like:
- E102 (Tartrazine): Artificial yellow linked to hyperactivity concerns in children
- E110 (Sunset Yellow): Synthetic orange-yellow with similar concerns
If you're choosing between foods, products coloured with E100 are generally preferable to those using artificial alternatives.
Check Foods for E100 Instantly
Want to know if a product uses natural or artificial colouring? Use NutraSafe's free barcode scanner to check any UK food instantly. The app identifies all E-numbers and tells you whether they're natural or synthetic.