E174Colorant

E174

Learn what E174 (E174) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Low concern

What is E174?

A food additive from the category of surface colorants. It gives a silvery-grey color and can be used in recipes for various decorations for confectionery and pastry products, in chocolate decorations, and in some liqueurs.

Why is E174 added to food?

E174 (E174) is a colorant commonly found in: Pastry and confectionery products, chocolate decorations, liqueurs.

Permitted quantity: No maximum daily intake has been established for human consumption.

Is E174 safe?

Low concern

No known side effects when used as a food additive.

Is E174 banned anywhere?

✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.

Common foods that contain E174

  • Pastry and confectionery products
  • chocolate decorations
  • liqueurs

See the full list of foods that contain E174

How to spot E174 on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E174
  • E174

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • e174

Better alternatives

None.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • e174

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains E174? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E174 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about E174

Is E174 safe to eat?
No known side effects when used as a food additive.
Is E174 banned anywhere?
E174 is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
How do I spot E174 on a food label?
Look for E174, E174 in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: e174.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.