Yellow 5 & 6 Lake

Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake are synthetic color additives. They are made by taking the water-soluble dyes (Yellow 5 and Yellow 6) and precipitating them onto an insoluble base, typically alumina. This process creates a pigment that is oil-dispersible rather than water-soluble.

These ingredients are used to add color to a wide variety of foods, especially those with fats or oils, or where color stability is important. They are commonly found in candies, snacks, baked goods, and dessert toppings. The 'lake' form prevents color bleeding in certain food systems.

Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake are FDA-approved color additives for use in food. JECFA has evaluated both Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and set acceptable daily intakes. EFSA has also evaluated these colors. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.