E164 – Gardenia yellow
ColouringDescription
Mixture of carotenoids extracted from Gardenia fruits, primarily crocetin esters; water-soluble powder or liquid
Notes
Gardenia yellow is a natural yellow coloring extracted from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides, a flowering plant native to Asia. The color comes from a mixture of carotenoids - the same family of compounds that makes carrots orange and tomatoes red. The extraction process involves crushing the gardenia fruits and using water to pull out the yellow pigments, creating a concentrated natural coloring solution. This bright yellow colorant is used in a wide variety of foods including noodles, rice dishes, beverages, confectionery, and processed foods where a golden yellow color is desired. It's particularly popular in Asian cuisine and food products, and is valued because it dissolves well in water-based foods and provides a stable, appealing yellow color. Gardenia yellow is completely natural and plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and all religious dietary requirements. It's considered safe for consumption and is approved as a food coloring in many countries. Unlike some synthetic yellow dyes, this natural alternative appeals to consumers looking for clean-label ingredients, though it may be more expensive than artificial alternatives.