Artificial Color Yellow 5 Lake

Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It is the lake form of Tartrazine (Yellow 5), meaning the dye is absorbed onto an insoluble base, typically aluminum hydroxide, making it suitable for coloring fats and oils or dry products.

It is used to impart a yellow color to a wide range of foods. You can find it in candies, snacks, beverages, baked goods, and dairy products.

Yellow 5 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5. JECFA has evaluated Tartrazine (Yellow 5) and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent effect.