What is E151? Brilliant Black BN Explained
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E151 is Brilliant Black BN — a colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E151 (Brilliant Black BN)?
E151 is Brilliant Black BN, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E151 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E151 found?
E151 (Brilliant Black BN) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Is E151 safe?
E151 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Brilliant Black BN in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Brilliant Black BN — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E151. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Cleaner alternatives to E151
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MORiSH Pork Chicharrónes
Prefer snacks with no artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners? MORiSH pork chicharrónes are 79% protein, zero carbs and have a short, readable ingredient list.
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E151 FAQs
What is E151 in food?
E151 is Brilliant Black BN — a colour (synthetic dye) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E151 safe to eat?
E151 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Brilliant Black BN in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either
Is E151 vegan?
E151 (Brilliant Black BN) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic dye, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E151 halal?
E151 (Brilliant Black BN) is halal. It is derived from synthetic dye, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA