E141 Copper chlorophyllin

E141ColorsOrigin: Plant

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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant chlorophyll.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Copper chlorophyllin (E141) is a stable green color made from plant chlorophyll. It's considered safe, and it's one of the few natural colors that stays green through cooking.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE141

Comes fromPlant

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit15 mg/kg

Also calledCopper chlorophyllin, Sodium copper chlorophyllin

Natural greens for your kitchen

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Culinary matcha

Turns cakes, lattes and frosting a natural green.

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Pantry staple

Spinach powder

Colors pasta and smoothies green with a mild taste.

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Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Includes a green from spirulina and turmeric.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Widely allowed in the EU, with a daily limit of 15 mg per kg of body weight. In the US it's only approved in citrus-flavored dry drink mixes as a food color, though it's also sold as a supplement.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

1.1 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 15 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 300 mg a day.

What is it?

Natural chlorophyll turns olive-brown when heated or exposed to acid. Swapping its magnesium for copper keeps it bright green, so it can color mint ice cream, pickles and green candy.

Where it comes from: Made from chlorophyll extracted from plants such as alfalfa and nettle. The magnesium at its center is swapped for copper, which makes the green color stable.

Why it’s in food

Colors mint ice cream and desserts green
Keeps canned and pickled vegetables green
Colors green candy and gum
Colors cheese rinds and soups

Often found in

Mint ice creamGreen candy and gumPickles and canned vegetablesPistachio dessertsHerb cheesesChlorophyll drops

Also listed as: Copper chlorophyllin, Sodium copper chlorophyllin, Copper chlorophyll, Copper complexes of chlorophylls, Chlorophyllin

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewConcern

EFSA and JECFA found no safety concern at food levels. The copper it adds is tiny compared to what you get from food.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)

Supplement claimsConcern

Chlorophyllin is sold as a deodorizer and detox supplement. The evidence for those claims is weak.

NIH Linus Pauling Institute, Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

What can I use instead?

Spirulina and safflower

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Candy and frosting

Spinach or matcha powder

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Home baking and smoothies

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 Copper chlorophyllin safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Widely allowed in the EU, with a daily limit of 15 mg per kg of body weight. In the US it's only approved in citrus-flavored dry drink mixes as a food color, though it's also sold as a supplement.

Is Copper chlorophyllin vegan?

Yes. Made from plant chlorophyll.

Is Copper chlorophyllin gluten-free?

Yes.

Is copper chlorophyllin natural?

It starts from natural chlorophyll but is chemically modified, so it's best described as a plant-derived color.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.125 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E141
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2015)
NIH Linus Pauling Institute, Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 141 · CAS 11006-34-1