Indigotine
Learn what Indigotine (E132) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Indigotine?
A food additive from the category of synthetic colorants. It imparts a blue color and can be used alone or in combination with other colorants in a wide range of products, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, fruit and vegetable preserves, fat-based, fruit-based or milk-based desserts, cakes, biscuits, wafers, snacks, confectionery products, fish products, processed cheese, sauces, condiments, mustard, dietary supplements, and dietetic foods.
Why is Indigotine added to food?
Indigotine (E132) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, fruit preserves, milk, snacks, sauces, condiments.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for humans is up to 5 mg/kg body weight.
Is Indigotine safe?
Low concern
Concentrations used in food rarely cause allergic reactions, but this water-soluble colorant may act as a histamine releaser, intensifying asthma symptoms.
Is Indigotine banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Indigotine okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Indigotine
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- fruit preserves
- milk
- snacks
- sauces
- condiments
How to spot Indigotine on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E132
- Indigotine
Common misspellings to watch for:
- indiqotine
- indigotine
- indlgotine
- indigotlne
- lndigotine
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to artificial colorants. • Excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects on behavior and attention in children, including hyperactivity. • People with asthma or sensitivity to sulfites should avoid this colorant. • Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and abdominal cramps.
Also known as
- indiqotine
- indigotine
- indlgotine
- indigotlne
- lndigotine
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Indigotine? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E132 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Indigotine
- Is Indigotine safe to eat?
- Concentrations used in food rarely cause allergic reactions, but this water-soluble colorant may act as a histamine releaser, intensifying asthma symptoms.
- Is Indigotine banned anywhere?
- Indigotine is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Indigotine safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Indigotine on a food label?
- Look for E132, Indigotine in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: indiqotine, indigotine, indlgotine.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.