Foods Containing E102 (Tartrazine)
E102 (Tartrazine) is a synthetic yellow dye that must carry a hyperactivity warning label on foods in the EU and UK. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E102
E102 is used across sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Soft drinks and squash
- Sweets
- Ice lollies
- Mushy peas
- Custard powder
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E102 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E102" or as "Tartrazine".
How to spot E102 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "food colourings: E102" or "food colourings: tartrazine". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Tartrazine" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E102?
E102 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. Tartrazine is one of the 'Southampton Six' colours linked to hyperactivity in some children: in the EU and UK, foods containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E102 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E102: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).