Foods Containing E161g (Canthaxanthin)
E161g (Canthaxanthin) is a carotenoid usually made synthetically, though it also occurs in crustaceans, 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 E161g
E161g 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 E161g is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E161g" or as "Canthaxanthin".
How to spot E161g 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: E161g" or "food colourings: canthaxanthin". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Canthaxanthin" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E161g?
E161g 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 E161g is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E161g: 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).