What is E 100?

Turmeric powder next to fresh turmeric roots
Turmeric powder next to fresh turmeric roots Photo: Herusutimbul, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

E 100 is the E number of Curcumin. Yellow colour extracted from the root of the turmeric plant. It is used in mustard, curry blends, margarine, cheese and confectionery.

Where is E 100 most commonly used?

Curcumin most often colours mustard, curry sauces and spice blends yellow. It is also common in margarine, processed cheese, desserts and confectionery.

What is E 100 used for?

E 100 belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

  • Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Which foods may contain E 100?

According to the European Commission's database, E 100 may be used in 45 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 100 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 100 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 100 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 100" or "Colour: Curcumin".

Sources