E171 Titanium Dioxide

E171ColorsOrigin: Mineral

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VeganYes

Mineral-based.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring banned in EU food since 2022 because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. It's still allowed in the US and Canada.

30/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE171

Comes fromMineral

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledTiO2, Titanium dioxide

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionBanned

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022, after EFSA said it could no longer be considered safe because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. The US still allows up to 1% of a food's weight, and Health Canada's 2022 review did not find a concern.

Daily limit: No safe daily amount has been set.

What is it?

Titanium dioxide is the same white pigment used in paint and sunscreen. In food it makes candy coatings, frosting and gum bright white and opaque.

Where it comes from: Mined from minerals like ilmenite and refined into a fine white powder. Some particles are nano-sized.

Why it’s in food

Makes candy shells and gum bright white
Gives frosting and coffee creamer an opaque look
Brightens other colors underneath

Often found in

Candy-coated chocolatesChewing gumFrostingCoffee creamerMarshmallows

Also listed as: TiO2, Titanium dioxide, CI 77891, Titanium white

Health & gut impact

DNA damage (genotoxicity)Under study

EFSA could not rule out that nanoparticles damage DNA, so no safe daily intake could be set.

EFSA Journal 19(5):6585 (2021)

Gut absorptionConcern

Most of it passes through the body, but small amounts can build up.

EFSA (2021)

What can I use instead?

Rice starch

Ratio: To taste

Best for: White coatings

Calcium carbonate

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Whitening candy shells

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 Carmine (Cochineal) E120Carmine (E120) is a red dye made from crushed insects. It's not vegan, vegetarian or kosher, and halal status is disputed. It can cause rare severe allergies.Use in moderation Erythrosine (Red 3) E127Red 3 (E127) is a pink dye the FDA is removing from US food by 2027 because of cancer findings in rats. The EU already limits it to candied cherries.Best to avoid Tartrazine (Yellow 5) E102Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102) is a synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in some children and to hives in sensitive people. It must carry a warning in the EU.Best to avoid

Common questions

Is Titanium Dioxide safe?

Best to avoid (30/100). Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022, after EFSA said it could no longer be considered safe because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. The US still allows up to 1% of a food's weight, and Health Canada's 2022 review did not find a concern.

Is Titanium Dioxide vegan?

Yes. Mineral-based.

Is Titanium Dioxide gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.575 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E171
EFSA Journal 19(5):6585 (2021)
EFSA (2021)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 171 · CAS 13463-67-7