E101

E101 is the food additive code for Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, and E101 is used as a yellow colorant and as a nutritional vitamin in foods and beverages.
E101 provides a bright yellow to yellow-orange hue and is also valued for fortification of vitamin B2, but E101 is sensitive to light and can degrade with prolonged exposure, so E101 formulations and packaging often require light protection.
E101 is commonly supplied as Riboflavin (E101(i)) or Riboflavin-5′-phosphate (E101(ii)), and E101 selection depends on solubility needs and the target food matrix.

CAS Number: 83-88-5 (Riboflavin) / 130-40-5 (Riboflavin-5′-phosphate, commonly)
EC Number: 201-507-1 (Riboflavin) / 204-988-6 (Riboflavin-5′-phosphate, commonly)
Molecular Formula: C17H20N4O6 (Riboflavin) / C17H21N4O9P (Riboflavin-5′-phosphate, commonly)
Molecular Weight: 376.36 g/mol (Riboflavin) / ~456.34 g/mol (Riboflavin-5′-phosphate, commonly)

Synonyms: E101, Riboflavin, Vitamin B2, Lactoflavin (common name), Riboflavine (variant spelling), E101(i) Riboflavin, E101(ii) Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate, Riboflavin Phosphate, Yellow Food Color E101, Vitamin B2 Colorant, Riboflavin Powder, Riboflavin Food Additive, E101, E 101, E-101, INS 101, INS-101, E101 (Food Additive), E101 (Food Colour), E101 (Food Color), E101 (Yellow Colour), E101 (Yellow Color), E101 (Natural Colour), E101 (Natural Color), Riboflavin, Riboflavin (spelling variant), RIBOFLAVIN, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B-2, Vit B2, Riboflavine (common variant), Lactoflavin, Lactoflavine (variant), Ovoflavin, Ovoflavine (variant), Flavin, Flavine (variant), Riboflavin (E101), Riboflavin (E 101), Riboflavin (INS 101), Riboflavin (food colorant), Riboflavin (food colour), Riboflavin (colorant), Riboflavin (colourant), Riboflavin Yellow, Riboflavin Yellow Colorant, Riboflavin Yellow Colourant, Riboflavin Natural Yellow, Natural Yellow (Riboflavin), Riboflavin (Natural), Riboflavin (Fermentation), Riboflavin (Synthetic), Riboflavin Powder, Riboflavin Crystals, Riboflavin Crystalline Powder, Riboflavin Fine Powder, Riboflavin Micronized, Riboflavin Reagent (use context), Riboflavin Analytical Standard (use context), Riboflavin Reference Standard (use context), Riboflavin Food Grade, Riboflavin Pharmaceutical Grade, Riboflavin USP (labeling variant)

APPLICATIONS

E101 is used in breakfast cereals to provide vitamin B2 fortification and a light yellow color contribution.
E101 is incorporated into cereal bars and snack products to support nutritional labeling and vitamin enrichment.
E101 is used in flour and bakery improvers to support riboflavin fortification where permitted.

E101 is used in dairy products to provide vitamin B2 enrichment and to support natural yellow tones in compatible products.
E101 is incorporated into yogurt drinks and flavored milks where light protection and stability are managed.
E101 is used in cheese and dairy analog products where vitamin fortification is part of the nutritional design.

E101 is used in beverages and beverage powders to provide both yellow coloration and vitamin B2 supplementation.
E101 is incorporated into sports drinks and electrolyte powders where nutrient fortification is desired.
E101 is used in energy drinks where riboflavin is included as part of a B-vitamin complex.

E101 is used in confectionery to provide yellow coloration in candies and coatings in compatible systems.
E101 is incorporated into chewing gum and lozenges to provide color and vitamin enrichment where permitted.
E101 is used in sugar decorations and dessert mixes to provide consistent yellow shade.

E101 is used in soups and instant noodle seasonings to provide yellow color and nutritional enrichment in dry blends.
E101 is incorporated into spice and seasoning mixes where vitamin fortification and color are both desired.
E101 is used in instant foods where stable dry storage helps protect riboflavin from degradation.

E101 is used in dietary supplements as Vitamin B2 in tablets, capsules, and powders.
E101 is incorporated into multivitamin formulations to support energy metabolism positioning associated with riboflavin.
E101 is used in effervescent vitamin tablets where phosphate forms can improve dispersion and solubility.

E101 is used in pharmaceutical products where riboflavin is included as a vitamin active in regulated dosage forms.
E101 is incorporated into fortified medical nutrition products where vitamin levels are tightly controlled.
E101 is used in hospital nutrition and clinical diets when riboflavin fortification is required by specification.

E101 is used in pet food and animal nutrition to support vitamin B2 supplementation in complete diets.
E101 is incorporated into premixes to improve vitamin profile and to help meet nutritional requirements.
E101 is used in aquaculture and specialty feeds where controlled vitamin delivery is required.

E101 is used as a natural-origin alternative to synthetic yellow dyes in certain clean-label food designs.
E101 is incorporated into products where a nutrient colorant can provide both visual and nutritional value.
E101 is valued because E101 provides vitamin B2 fortification and a recognizable yellow color when light stability is managed.

E101 is used as Riboflavin to fortify foods with vitamin B2.
E101 supports enrichment of breakfast cereals, flours, and bakery products with vitamin B2.
E101 helps maintain nutritional labeling targets in fortified foods.

E101 is used in fortified bread and flour products as part of vitamin enrichment programs.
E101 supports prevention of dietary riboflavin deficiency in population nutrition strategies.
E101 helps maintain consistent vitamin content in staple foods.

E101 is used in dairy products to support riboflavin enrichment in certain formulations.
E101 supports fortification of milk-based drinks and yogurt-style products.
E101 helps improve vitamin profile in dairy and dairy alternatives.

E101 is used in plant-based dairy alternatives to add vitamin B2.
E101 supports nutritional equivalence targets in fortified plant milks.
E101 helps improve micronutrient labeling of vegan beverage products.

E101 is used in infant and toddler nutrition products where permitted and required.
E101 supports vitamin B2 delivery in infant formula and follow-on formula.
E101 helps meet regulatory nutrient specifications for early-life nutrition.

E101 is used in medical nutrition products to provide vitamin B2 in clinical diets.
E101 supports enteral nutrition formulas for patients with restricted intake.
E101 helps maintain balanced micronutrient composition in medical foods.

E101 is used in dietary supplements as vitamin B2 in tablets, capsules, and powders.
E101 supports riboflavin intake in multivitamin and B-complex products.
E101 helps provide standardized vitamin dosing in supplement formats.

E101 is used in effervescent vitamin products to deliver riboflavin in drinkable formats.
E101 supports vitamin waters and fizzy tablets with B-vitamin positioning.
E101 helps create bright yellow coloration typical of riboflavin-containing drinks.

E101 is used as a natural yellow colorant in foods where permitted.
E101 provides yellow coloration in confectionery, desserts, and beverages.
E101 supports clean-label color strategies that also deliver nutritional value.

E101 is used in beverage products to create yellow tint and vitamin association.
E101 supports color-cue branding for energy and wellness beverages.
E101 helps provide consistent yellow shade in low-color formulations.

E101 is used in confectionery products to provide yellow color while adding vitamin B2.
E101 supports colored candies, gummies, and lozenges with vitamin claims.
E101 helps maintain stable shade in sugar-based products when protected from light.

E101 is used in chewing gum to provide yellow color and vitamin positioning.
E101 supports vitamin gum concepts in novelty nutraceutical products.
E101 helps maintain color and label claim in gum products.

E101 is used in bakery icings and decorations to provide yellow tone where permitted.
E101 supports natural-looking yellow shades in frosting and gels.
E101 helps provide consistent color in decorative systems.

E101 is used in sauces and seasonings to provide mild yellow coloration in some formulations.
E101 supports visual enhancement in prepared foods where yellow hue is desired.
E101 helps maintain color tone without synthetic dyes in certain designs.

E101 is used in pharmaceutical products as an active vitamin ingredient.
E101 supports riboflavin tablets and oral solutions for deficiency treatment.
E101 helps provide standardized vitamin dosing under medical guidance.

E101 is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a coloring agent for tablets and syrups in some products.
E101 supports identification and branding of dosage forms with yellow color.
E101 helps maintain consistent appearance in coated tablets.

E101 is used in ophthalmic research and diagnostics as a fluorescent marker in certain applications.
E101 supports fluorescence-based studies due to natural riboflavin fluorescence.
E101 helps enable imaging and detection methods in laboratory research.

E101 is used in microbiology and fermentation to support growth of organisms requiring riboflavin.
E101 supports culture media supplementation for vitamin-dependent strains.
E101 helps improve reproducibility in microbial growth experiments.

E101 is used in enzymology research because riboflavin is a precursor of flavin cofactors.
E101 supports preparation of FMN and FAD-related biochemical studies.
E101 helps study flavoproteins and redox enzyme systems.

E101 is used in photochemistry research as a photosensitizer in controlled experiments.
E101 supports light-driven redox reactions and photochemical mechanism studies.
E101 helps model photodegradation and photoactivation pathways.

E101 is used in packaging research to study light sensitivity of vitamins in foods.
E101 supports accelerated stability tests under UV and visible light exposure.
E101 helps evaluate protective packaging strategies for fortified products.

E101 is used in quality control labs to assay riboflavin content in fortified foods and supplements.
E101 supports HPLC and fluorescence-based quantification methods.
E101 helps verify label claims and batch consistency.

E101 is used in stability testing to monitor riboflavin degradation under heat and light stress.
E101 supports shelf-life prediction for fortified foods and supplements.
E101 helps optimize antioxidant and packaging strategies to protect vitamin potency.

E101 is used in cosmetic formulations in niche concepts as a vitamin and color ingredient when compatible.
E101 supports “vitamin B2” marketing narratives in skin care products.
E101 helps provide gentle yellow tint in certain cosmetic products.

E101 is used in hair care products in niche concepts as a vitamin additive.
E101 supports vitamin-themed shampoos and scalp products in some markets.
E101 helps add color cue associated with B-vitamin content.

E101 is used in animal nutrition to fortify feeds with vitamin B2.
E101 supports poultry and livestock diets where riboflavin supplementation is required.
E101 helps maintain animal growth and health by supporting metabolic functions.

E101 is used in aquaculture feed to provide vitamin B2 in fish nutrition.
E101 supports balanced micronutrient profiles in formulated feeds.
E101 helps improve feed performance and fish health in controlled nutrition programs.

E101 is used in educational demonstrations due to strong yellow color and fluorescence.
E101 supports teaching labs showing fluorescence and vitamin chemistry.
E101 helps illustrate light sensitivity and photodegradation concepts.

E101 is used in regulatory compliance and labeling to meet vitamin fortification standards.
E101 supports documentation of nutrient addition in food manufacturing.
E101 helps manufacturers meet minimum and maximum vitamin limits in fortified foods.

E101 is used in product development to create clean-label yellow color alternatives to synthetic dyes.
E101 supports reformulation strategies that combine nutrition and color.
E101 helps deliver stable yellow tone when protected from light and oxidation.

E101 is used in functional shots and wellness drinks to support B-vitamin branding and color cue.
E101 supports “energy” positioning through vitamin association.
E101 helps create a recognizable yellow hue in wellness beverages.

E101 is used in process optimization to ensure uniform riboflavin distribution in dry mixes and tablets.
E101 supports mixing and blending controls in manufacturing.
E101 helps reduce segregation by appropriate premix and carrier selection.

E101 is used in research comparing natural versus synthetic riboflavin sources for stability and bioavailability.
E101 supports selection of optimal ingredient grades for fortified products.
E101 helps guide supplier qualification and specification setting.

DESCRIPTION

E101 is the European food additive designation for riboflavin, and E101 can be supplied as free riboflavin or as riboflavin-5′-phosphate to improve water dispersibility.
E101 is a bright yellow crystalline compound that is only slightly soluble in water, while E101(ii) forms are more suitable for aqueous systems due to improved solubility.
E101 is sensitive to light, and exposure can cause riboflavin degradation and loss of both color intensity and vitamin activity.

E101 is commonly used as a fortifying vitamin because riboflavin is essential for energy metabolism and normal physiological function.
E101 stability depends on packaging, oxygen exposure, pH, and the presence of other ingredients, so formulation testing is recommended.
E101 can interact with light and photosensitize certain reactions in some matrices, so light-protective packaging and process controls are important.

E101 should be stored in tightly closed containers protected from light, moisture, and contamination.
E101 powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E101 should be used according to applicable food additive and fortification regulations for the target market and product category.

E101 is the food additive designation for Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2.
E101 is typically supplied as a yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder.
E101 has a characteristic strong yellow color and exhibits natural fluorescence.

E101 is only slightly soluble in water and is more soluble in certain buffered or formulated systems.
E101 dispersibility can be improved by using suitable carriers, emulsifiers, or encapsulation.
E101 is sensitive to light, especially UV and strong visible light, and can degrade with exposure.

E101 photodegradation can reduce vitamin potency and fade color in finished products.
E101 stability depends on packaging, oxygen exposure, pH, and presence of other ingredients.
E101 is often protected by opaque packaging and controlled processing to preserve activity.

E101 is essential for energy metabolism because it is a precursor to FMN and FAD cofactors.
E101 supports many enzymatic redox reactions in human and animal metabolism.
E101 deficiency can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and mucosal issues, so fortification can be important.

PROPERTIES

Common Name: E101 (Riboflavin, Vitamin B2)
Chemical Formula: C17H20N4O6 (Riboflavin)
Molecular Weight: 376.36 g/mol (Riboflavin)
Appearance: Yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Practically odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; more soluble in alkaline solutions; phosphate form has improved water solubility
Light Sensitivity: High; degrades with light exposure
Thermal Stability: Moderate; stable in dry form; stability depends on matrix and processing
pH Sensitivity: Stability varies with pH; formulation dependent
Color Shade: Bright yellow; intensity depends on concentration and dispersion
Function: Food colorant and vitamin fortification ingredient
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.
E101 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.
Protect from light during handling where practical to reduce degradation.

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 vitamin potency and color strength.
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, and protect surfaces from staining if needed.

Handling Precautions:
Select the appropriate E101 form based on the target matrix, especially when water solubility is required.
Use light-protective packaging in finished products to maintain E101 potency and color during shelf life.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and specification compliance.