Foods Containing E131 (Patent Blue V)
E131 (Patent Blue V) is a synthetic triarylmethane dye, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E131
E131 is used across sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Sweets
- Soft drinks
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Sauces and snacks
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E131 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E131" or as "Patent Blue V".
How to spot E131 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: E131" or "food colourings: patent blue v". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Patent Blue V" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E131?
E131 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E131 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E131: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E131?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).