Tartrazine (ตาร์ตราซีน)
What is Tartrazine?
Tartrazine, known in Thai as ตาร์ตราซีน, is a synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye used widely as a food coloring. It is water-soluble and belongs to a group of artificial dyes derived from petroleum. Tartrazine gives food and drinks a bright yellow or orange hue and is commonly used in both food and pharmaceutical industries.
Chemical Symbol: C₁₆H₉N₄Na₃O₉S₂
E Number: E102
Sources and Processing
Sources:
Tartrazine is not derived from natural ingredients; it is manufactured synthetically through a series of chemical reactions using petrochemical sources.
Processing Steps:
- Azo coupling reaction – combines aromatic compounds with diazonium salts
- Purification – removes impurities to obtain a bright yellow powder
- Drying and packaging – for distribution and use in food production
Uses in Food Products
Tartrazine is primarily used to add vibrant yellow to food or to enhance color consistency. It is stable under heat and light, making it ideal for baked goods, beverages, and processed foods.
Food Products That Use Tartrazine (E102):
- Candies and sweets
- Jelly and gelatin desserts
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Ice cream
- Snack chips
- Custards and puddings
- Breakfast cereals
- Mustard
- Processed cheese
- Packaged soups
Advantages of Using Tartrazine in Food Production
- Improves visual appeal – makes food look more attractive and appetizing
- Cost-effective coloring – less expensive than many natural dyes
- Stable under heat and light – maintains color during cooking and shelf life
- Easy to blend – mixes well with other food ingredients
- Enhances brand consistency – provides uniform color across product batches
- Widely accepted and regulated – approved by many food safety authorities worldwide
- Increases consumer preference – bright, appealing colors boost sales
- Supports product identity – helps customers recognize familiar products instantly
References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartrazine [Accessed 13 June 2025]
[2] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tartrazine [Accessed 13 June 2025]
[3] https://eatease.nutri-fields.com/blog/2025-01-14-ins-102-tartrazine/ [Accessed 13 June 2025]