Yellow 5 Lake Yellow 5

Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic yellow dye made from petroleum. Yellow 5 Lake is a form of Yellow 5 that is mixed with a metallic salt, usually aluminum hydroxide, to make it insoluble in water. This allows it to be used in products where the dye needs to be dispersed rather than dissolved.

Both Yellow 5 and Yellow 5 Lake are used as color additives to give foods a yellow hue or to enhance their natural color. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including baked goods like cookies, cakes, and snack cakes, as well as in baking decorations and dessert toppings.

Yellow 5 is an FDA-approved color additive. Some individuals, particularly those with asthma or aspirin sensitivity, may experience allergic reactions. While some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity in some children, the evidence is mixed. The FDA has reviewed these studies and concludes there is no consistent evidence for a causal link in the general population, though it acknowledges some children may be sensitive. JECFA and EFSA have both evaluated Yellow 5 and set an acceptable daily intake. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Yellow 5.