E141

Copper Chlorophyllin

Natural-Derived Green Colour

What is E141 (Copper Chlorophyllin)?

E141 is Copper Chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic green pigment made from natural chlorophyll.

How it's made:

• Extracted from plants – grass, nettles, alfalfa
• Treated with copper salts – replaces magnesium with copper
• Result: More stable, brighter green colour

Why it's used:

• Stable green colour – doesn't fade like pure chlorophyll
• Natural origin – appeals to "clean label" trend
• Doesn't change with pH – unlike some colours

E140 vs E141

• E140 (Chlorophyll): Pure chlorophyll – less stable, fades easily
• E141 (Copper Chlorophyllin): Copper-modified – more stable, brighter

E141 is preferred by manufacturers because it maintains its green colour better during processing and storage.

Where is E141 Found?

Food Products:

• Ice cream – mint and pistachio flavours
• Confectionery – green sweets
• Beverages – green drinks
• Chewing gum
• Dairy products
• Soups and sauces

Supplements:

• Chlorophyllin supplements – marketed for detox and deodorising

Is E141 Safe?

✅ Safety Profile:

• Approved in UK/EU with ADI of 15mg per kg body weight
• Natural origin – derived from plant chlorophyll
• Well-tolerated – no common side effects
• Copper levels are well below concerning amounts

The Copper Question:

Some wonder about the copper content:

• Copper is an essential mineral – you need some
• Amount in food colouring is very small
• ADI accounts for copper content
• Not a concern at normal consumption levels

Regulatory Status

UK/EU: Approved with ADI of 15mg per kg body weight

US: Approved for limited uses

Widely accepted as a safer alternative to synthetic green dyes

Who Should Avoid E141?

Almost No One Needs to:

• E141 is safe for virtually everyone
• No hyperactivity concerns
• No warning labels required

Rare Considerations:

• Wilson's disease (copper accumulation disorder) – theoretically should limit copper intake, but amounts in E141 are minimal

E141 vs Synthetic Green Dyes

E141 is often preferred over synthetic alternatives because:

• ✅ Natural origin
• ✅ No hyperactivity concerns
• ✅ No warning labels
• ✅ "Clean label" friendly

The Bottom Line

• ✅ Safe – well-tolerated by most people
• ✅ Natural origin – derived from chlorophyll
• ✅ No hyperactivity links
• ✅ Vegan-friendly – plant-derived
• ✅ Better alternative to synthetic green dyes
• 💡 Copper content is minimal – not a concern

Our recommendation: E141 is one of the safer food colourings. If you see green-coloured products with E141 instead of synthetic dyes, that's generally a positive choice by the manufacturer. No need to avoid it unless you have specific concerns about copper (like Wilson's disease).

Last updated: February 2026