Digestoa
Additive · Colour

Patent Blue V (E131)

Patent Blue V (E131) is a colour that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include allergic reactions.

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypeColour
Found inbrightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts
ConcernsAllergic reactions

What is Patent Blue V?

Patent Blue V (E131) is a colour — added to give food a specific colour.

Is Patent Blue V bad for you?

Digestoa flags Patent Blue V as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including allergic reactions. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Patent Blue V?

Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Patent Blue V. But it's a useful flag: when you see E131 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose products coloured with natural extracts like beetroot (E162), paprika (E160c) or turmeric (E100).

Frequently asked questions

Is E131 the same as Patent Blue V?
Yes — E131 is the international additive (E-number) code for Patent Blue V.
Is Patent Blue V bad for you?
Digestoa flags Patent Blue V (E131) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as allergic reactions.
What are the side effects of Patent Blue V?
Reported concerns include: Allergic reactions.
What foods contain Patent Blue V?
Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.
How can I avoid Patent Blue V?
Check the ingredients list for "Patent Blue V" or "E131", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related colour additives

Titanium dioxide (E171)Tartrazine (E102)Quinoline Yellow (E104)Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)Azorubine / Carmoisine (E122)Ponceau 4R (E124)

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