Digestoa
Additive · Colour

Tartrazine (E102)

Tartrazine (E102) is a colour that Digestoa flags as high risk. Common concerns include hyperactivity in children.

Digestoa riskHigh risk
TypeColour (azo)
Found inSoft drinks, sweets, ice cream, packet sauces, snacks and some medicines.
ConcernsHyperactivity in children · Allergic reactions · Asthma triggers

What is Tartrazine?

Tartrazine (Yellow 5) is a synthetic azo dye giving a bright lemon-yellow colour. It's one of the 'Southampton six' colours linked to hyperactivity in some children.

Is Tartrazine bad for you?

Digestoa flags Tartrazine as high risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, asthma triggers. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Tartrazine?

Soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, packet sauces, snacks and some medicines..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Tartrazine. But it's a useful flag: when you see E102 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Look for products coloured with turmeric/curcumin (E100) or beta-carotene (E160a).

Frequently asked questions

Is E102 the same as Tartrazine?
Yes — E102 is the international additive (E-number) code for Tartrazine.
Is Tartrazine bad for you?
Digestoa flags Tartrazine (E102) as high risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as hyperactivity in children.
What are the side effects of Tartrazine?
Reported concerns include: Hyperactivity in children; Allergic reactions; Asthma triggers.
What foods contain Tartrazine?
Soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, packet sauces, snacks and some medicines..
How can I avoid Tartrazine?
Check the ingredients list for "Tartrazine" or "E102", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related colour additives

Titanium dioxide (E171)Quinoline Yellow (E104)Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)Azorubine / Carmoisine (E122)Ponceau 4R (E124)Allura Red AC (E129)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.