E140 – Chlorophyll
ColouringDescription
Green pigment
Notes
Chlorophyll is the natural green pigment that plants use to capture sunlight for photosynthesis - essentially, it's what makes leaves and green plants their characteristic colour. For use as a food additive, chlorophyll is extracted from green plants like spinach, alfalfa, or nettle using solvents or by grinding and processing the plant material. Sometimes it's chemically modified slightly to make it more stable in food products, creating what's called 'chlorophyllin,' but it still retains its natural green colour. As a food colouring agent, chlorophyll gives products a natural green tint without the need for artificial dyes. You'll find it in green-coloured foods like mint ice cream, green pasta, some beverages, chewing gum, and health supplements where manufacturers want to achieve a natural green appearance. It's particularly valued in 'natural' or organic food products where companies want to avoid synthetic colours while still creating visually appealing green foods. Chlorophyll is completely natural and plant-based, making it perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and people following plant-based diets. It's generally considered very safe since it's the same substance we consume whenever we eat green vegetables. Some people even take chlorophyll supplements for potential health benefits, though scientific evidence for these claims is limited. Unlike synthetic food colours, chlorophyll is widely accepted by consumers who prefer natural ingredients and is approved for use in organic foods.