E100

E100 is the food additive code for Curcumin, a natural yellow-orange colorant primarily obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes.
E100 is widely used to provide yellow to orange shades in foods and beverages, and E100 is valued for natural-origin labeling and strong color strength at low use levels.
E100 performance depends on formulation pH, light exposure, processing temperature, and dispersion method, because E100 is poorly water soluble and can degrade under alkaline conditions and strong light.

CAS Number: 458-37-7 (Curcumin)
EC Number: 207-280-5
Molecular Formula: C21H20O6
Molecular Weight: 368.38 g/mol

Synonyms: E100, Curcumin, Turmeric Yellow, Curcumin Food Color, Natural Yellow 3 (common naming), Curcumin Colorant, Curcumin Pigment, Turmeric Extract Color, Curcuma Color, Food Color E100, Curcumin E100, Natural Yellow Colorant, E100, E 100, E-100, INS 100, INS-100, INS 0100 (format variant), E100 (Food Additive), E100 (Food Colour), E100 (Food Color), E100 (Natural Colour), E100 (Natural Color), E100 (Colorant), E100 (Colourant), E100 (Yellow Colorant), E100 (Yellow Colourant), E100 (Natural Yellow), Curcumin, Curcumin (E100), Curcumin (E 100), Curcumin (INS 100), Curcumin (food colorant), Curcumin (food colour), Curcumin (colorant), Curcumin (colourant), Curcumin (turmeric color), Curcumin (turmeric colour), Turmeric, Turmeric (E100) (labeling variant), Turmeric Color, Turmeric Colour, Turmeric Yellow, Turmeric Yellow (E100) (labeling variant), Turmeric Extract, Turmeric Extract (E100) (labeling variant), Turmeric Oleoresin (color) (use context), Turmeric Oleoresin (E100) (labeling variant), Curcuma, Curcuma (E100) (labeling variant), Curcuma Longa, Curcuma longa (E100) (labeling variant), Curcuma Longa Extract, Curcuma longa extract (E100) (labeling variant), Curcuma Extract (color), Curcuma Extract (colour), Curcumin Extract, Curcumin Extract (E100) (labeling variant), Curcuminoids, Curcuminoids (E100) (labeling variant), Natural Yellow 3, Natural Yellow 3 (E100) (labeling variant), C.I. Natural Yellow 3, CI Natural Yellow 3, CI 75300, C.I. 75300, Colour Index Natural Yellow 3, Color Index Natural Yellow 3, Curcumin Color, Curcumin Colour, Curcumin Yellow, Turmeric Pigment, Curcuma Pigment, Turmeric Dye, Curcuma Dye, Natural Yellow Dye (curcumin), Natural Yellow Pigment (curcumin), Curcumin Coloring Matter, Curcumin Colouring Matter, Turmeric Coloring Matter, Turmeric Colouring Matter

APPLICATIONS

E100 is used in sauces and condiments to provide stable yellow coloration and improve visual appeal.
E100 is incorporated into mustard products to enhance bright yellow shade and maintain batch consistency.
E100 is used in pickled products and brines to deliver warm yellow tones in compatible formulations.

E100 is used in dairy products such as flavored yogurts and desserts to create golden color tones.
E100 is incorporated into ice cream and frozen desserts to provide yellow coloration in compatible fat-containing matrices.
E100 is used in non-dairy alternatives to create “golden” themed products with natural-label positioning.

E100 is used in beverage powders and instant drink mixes where encapsulation and carriers improve dispersibility.
E100 is incorporated into turmeric beverage concentrates to provide consistent golden color.
E100 is used in ready-to-drink beverages when dispersion and stability are optimized for the pH and storage conditions.

E100 is used in confectionery such as candies and gummies to produce yellow and orange shades.
E100 is incorporated into chewing gum coatings to deliver durable natural color.
E100 is used in dessert toppings and glazes to provide warm yellow-orange appearance.

E100 is used in bakery products to color doughs, batters, and fillings when processing conditions maintain color stability.
E100 is incorporated into pasta and noodles to create yellow coloration with natural labeling.
E100 is used in snack seasonings to improve color uniformity and perceived flavor intensity.

E100 is used in ready meals, soups, and broths to standardize golden color across production batches.
E100 is incorporated into curry bases and spice pastes to maintain consistent visual identity.
E100 is used in rice dishes and prepared grains to enhance yellow tones in compatible recipes.

E100 is used in dietary supplements to provide Curcumin active positioning and natural coloration in capsules and tablets.
E100 is incorporated into functional powders and shots where Curcumin is both a colorant and a featured ingredient.
E100 is used in nutraceutical blends where stabilization strategies improve uniformity and shelf life.

E100 is used in food innovation to replace synthetic yellow dyes while maintaining vivid color.
E100 is incorporated into clean-label product lines where plant-derived colorants are preferred.
E100 is valued because E100 provides strong natural yellow coloration and broad versatility when formulation challenges are managed.

E100 is used as Curcumin to color foods with a natural yellow hue.
E100 provides bright yellow to yellow-orange shades in sauces, condiments, and seasonings.
E100 supports consistent visual identity in turmeric-colored food products.

E100 is used in mustard and mustard-style sauces to enhance yellow color.
E100 helps maintain stable appearance across production batches.
E100 supports consumer-recognizable color cues for mustard and curry flavors.

E100 is used in curry powders and spice blends to improve color intensity.
E100 helps standardize color when turmeric content varies.
E100 supports uniform appearance in dry seasoning formulations.

E100 is used in soups and instant soup mixes to provide warm yellow tone.
E100 helps maintain color after heat processing and reheating.
E100 supports attractive appearance in ready-to-eat soup products.

E100 is used in sauces and gravies to improve golden color and mouthfeel perception.
E100 helps provide consistent hue in heat-processed sauce systems.
E100 supports color stability in packaged gravy products when properly protected.

E100 is used in snack coatings and savory powders to deliver yellow-orange coloration.
E100 helps create consistent appearance in coated chips and extruded snacks.
E100 supports visual cues for cheese, curry, and spicy flavors.

E100 is used in bakery fillings and icings to provide warm yellow coloration.
E100 helps color custard-style fillings and pastry creams.
E100 supports consistent shade in bakery decoration systems.

E100 is used in confectionery to color candies and gummies with yellow tones.
E100 helps create lemon and tropical-themed candy colors.
E100 supports clean-label positioning versus synthetic yellow dyes in some products.

E100 is used in beverages to provide yellow color in juices, smoothies, and functional drinks.
E100 supports turmeric-themed wellness beverages and shots.
E100 helps create stable color systems when emulsified or encapsulated.

E100 is used in beverage concentrates and syrups for color standardization.
E100 helps maintain uniform shade after dilution.
E100 supports consistent appearance in bottled and fountain beverage systems.

E100 is used in dairy products such as flavored yogurts and desserts to provide yellow tone.
E100 helps create mango, vanilla, and tropical dessert color cues.
E100 supports uniform appearance in dairy matrices when properly dispersed.

E100 is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to provide yellow coloration and warm tone.
E100 helps color swirls and inclusions used in frozen products.
E100 supports stable appearance in frozen storage when protected from light.

E100 is used in margarine and spreads to provide butter-like yellow color.
E100 helps maintain consistent color in fat-rich spreads.
E100 supports consumer expectation for buttery appearance in plant-based spreads.

DESCRIPTION

E100 is the European food additive designation for Curcumin, and E100 can be supplied as purified Curcumin or as turmeric-derived extracts standardized for curcuminoid content.
E100 is poorly soluble in water, so E100 is often formulated using emulsions, dispersions, solubilizers, or encapsulated forms to achieve uniform color distribution.
E100 color can shift and degrade in alkaline conditions, so E100 is typically formulated in acidic to near-neutral pH food systems for better stability.

E100 is sensitive to strong light and prolonged high heat, so packaging, antioxidants, and controlled processing can improve E100 color retention.
E100 may stain equipment and surfaces, so production hygiene and cleaning procedures should be designed for yellow pigment handling.
E100 quality for food use depends on specifications such as curcuminoid content, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiological limits.

E100 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from light and moisture.
E100 powders can create airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E100 should be used according to applicable food additive regulations, labeling requirements, and permitted use levels for the target market.

PROPERTIES

Common Name: E100 (Curcumin)
Chemical Formula: C21H20O6
Molecular Weight: 368.38 g/mol
Chemical Type: Natural polyphenolic pigment (curcuminoid)
Appearance: Bright yellow to orange-yellow powder
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol and other organic solvents; dispersible via carriers and emulsions
Color Shade: Yellow to orange; shade depends on concentration and matrix
pH Sensitivity: Less stable in alkaline conditions; better stability in acidic to near-neutral systems
Light Sensitivity: Can photodegrade; protect from strong light exposure
Thermal Stability: Moderate; prolonged high heat can reduce color intensity (system dependent)
Stability: Improved with encapsulation, antioxidants, and protective packaging (system dependent)
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, protected from light
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
E100 may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from light.
Protect from moisture and contamination to maintain color strength and food-grade quality.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.

Handling Precautions:
Select the appropriate E100 form such as dispersion or encapsulated grade based on the target food matrix and processing conditions.
Conduct stability testing for color retention under light, heat, and pH conditions relevant to the target application.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.