If Lemon Lime: Yellow 5

Yellow 5 is a synthetic food coloring that gives foods a yellow hue. It is made from petroleum.

Manufacturers add Yellow 5 to make foods more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. It is commonly found in beverages, candies, desserts like gelatin, baked goods, and snacks.

Yellow 5 is an FDA-approved color additive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated Yellow 5, and JECFA has set an acceptable daily intake.