E100 Curcumin (Turmeric)

E100ColorsOrigin: Plant

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Every diet

VeganYes

A root extract.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Curcumin (E100) is the bright yellow color of turmeric root. It's safe as a food color and fits every diet we check. Only high-dose supplements have caused problems.

92/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE100

Comes fromPlant

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit3 mg/kg

Also calledCurcumin, Turmeric

Color food yellow the natural way

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Organic ground turmeric

A pinch tints rice, tofu scramble and frosting.

Shop ground turmeric Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Yellow from turmeric, plus colors from beets and spirulina.

Shop natural food coloring Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free sports drinks

Colored with vegetable juice and turmeric instead of Yellow 5.

Shop dye-free sports drinks Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada. The FDA exempts turmeric from batch certification as a natural color. EFSA set a daily limit of 3 mg per kg of body weight in 2010; only high-dose supplements come close.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

210 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 3 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 60 mg a day.

What is it?

Curcumin is the pigment that makes turmeric yellow. As a food color it gives mustard, curry and pickles their glow, and it's a common natural swap for Yellow 5.

Where it comes from: Extracted from the dried root of the turmeric plant, the same spice used in curry.

Why it’s in food

Colors mustard, pickles and curry
Replaces Yellow 5 in drinks and candy
Gives cheese, butter and pasta a golden tint
Colors cereal and snack coatings

Often found in

Yellow mustardCurry powder and saucesPickles and relishBreakfast cerealSports drinksPlant-based egg substitutes

Also listed as: Curcumin, Turmeric, Turmeric extract, Turmeric oleoresin, Turmeric color, Turmeric colour, Curcuma, Natural Yellow 3, E100(i)

Health & gut impact

SupplementsUnder study

High-dose turmeric and curcumin supplements, especially with black pepper extract, have been linked to rare cases of liver injury. Food-color amounts are far lower.

NIH LiverTox, Turmeric

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found intake from food color stays under the daily limit for most people.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2010)

What can I use instead?

Annatto

Ratio: To shade

Best for: A more orange tone

Beta-carotene

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and dairy

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Annatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safe Anthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safe Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Curcumin safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada. The FDA exempts turmeric from batch certification as a natural color. EFSA set a daily limit of 3 mg per kg of body weight in 2010; only high-dose supplements come close.

Is Curcumin vegan?

Yes. A root extract.

Is Curcumin gluten-free?

Yes.

Does curcumin make food taste like turmeric?

Not at coloring amounts. The purified color has very little flavor.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.600 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E100
NIH LiverTox, Turmeric
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2010)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 100 · CAS 458-37-7