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E161b Lutein

E161bColorsOrigin: Plant
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The short answer
Lutein (E161b) is the yellow of marigold flowers, used to color dairy, sweets and drinks. It is a normal pigment in eggs and corn, and regulators treat the extract as safe within its daily limit.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE161b
Comes fromPlant
What it doesColors
Glycemic index—
Daily limit1 mg/kg
Also calledLutein, Marigold extract

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Lutein from marigold is used as a color in the US, the EU and Canada. EFSA set a daily limit of 1 mg per kg of body weight for lutein extracted from Tagetes.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

70 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 1 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 20 mg a day.

What is it?

Lutein is a carotenoid that sits in the macula of the eye as well as in food. As an additive it is a yellow-orange color that works well in fatty foods.

Where it comes from: Food lutein is extracted from marigold petals. The same pigment is what makes egg yolks and corn yellow.

Why it’s in food

  • Yellows dairy drinks
  • Colors sweets
  • Tints sauces
  • Matches egg-yolk shade

Often found in

Yogurt drinksIce creamSweetsBaked goodsSoft drinksSalad dressings

Also listed as: Lutein, Marigold extract, Xanthophyll, Vegetable lutein, CI 75135

Health & gut impact

Daily limitConcern

EFSA's limit of 1 mg lutein per kg of body weight is well above the amount used to color a serving of food.

EFSA opinion on lutein (2010)

EyesBenefit

Lutein is one of the pigments concentrated in the retina. Food coloring doses are not an eye treatment, but the pigment itself is a normal part of the diet.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, dietary carotenoids

Yellow from the garden palette

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Dried marigold petals

A traditional kitchen yellow, used sparingly.

Shop marigold petals Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Ground turmeric

A stronger, spicier yellow.

Shop turmeric Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Saffron

A floral yellow for rice and custard, used by the pinch.

Shop saffron Opens your country’s Amazon store

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What can I use instead?

Beta-carotene

Ratio: To shade

Best for: A deeper orange

Egg yolk

Ratio: One yolk

Best for: Baking, not vegan

Related

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 avoidAmaranth dye E123Amaranth dye (E123) is a synthetic red that the US banned in 1976. Europe still allows tiny uses. It is not the amaranth seed sold as a gluten-free grain.Best to avoidAmmonia caramel (Caramel III) E150cAmmonia caramel (E150c) is the caramel class made with ammonia and no sulfite, common in beer. It is approved, but like cola caramel it can contain 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65.Use in moderationAnnatto 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

Common questions

Is lutein on a label the same as the eye supplement?

Often the same marigold extract. The additive dose in food is much smaller than a supplement capsule.

Is Lutein safe?

Generally safe (93/100). Lutein from marigold is used as a color in the US, the EU and Canada. EFSA set a daily limit of 1 mg per kg of body weight for lutein extracted from Tagetes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E161b
  • EFSA opinion on lutein (2010)
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, dietary carotenoids

INS 161b · CAS 127-40-2