Ingredient · E171

E171

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add titanium dioxide as a white pigment to make foods appear brighter or …

What it is

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed into a fine, white powder. It is composed of titanium and oxygen.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add titanium dioxide as a white pigment to make foods appear brighter or to enhance other colors. It is commonly found in candies, confectionery products, baked goods like cakes and cupcakes, and chewing gum.

Health notes

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits titanium dioxide as a color additive in food. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated titanium dioxide. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to its ban in the EU in 2022. However, the FDA maintains that titanium dioxide is safe under current use conditions. It is not part of the FDA's announced plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing E171

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.