Flavoxanthin
A safe but commercially obsolete natural pigment.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A natural yellow xanthophyll pigment found in buttercups.
How it is used in food
A yellow xanthophyll pigment, traditionally obtained from buttercup (Ranunculus) petals, that was used to tint fats, dairy products and confectionery. It shares the antioxidant character of other carotenoids, but any nutritional contribution at colouring doses is negligible.
Commonly found in- Historically as a food colorant
Health and safety
Safe but rarely used commercially; not currently on the EU authorised list due to lack of use.
No modern toxicological dossier exists, because the compound was never assessed in depth by EFSA — the substance is not on the current EU list of authorised food additives, so the practical answer is that European products should not contain it. Xanthophylls as a class have a long history of safe dietary consumption.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E161a
Worth knowing
Flavoxanthin is an isomer of the more familiar lutein, differing only in the arrangement of one ring — a small structural change that shifts the shade slightly. Extracting it from flower petals was never competitive with fermentation- or marigold-derived alternatives, which is why it faded from use.
Conclusion
A safe but commercially obsolete natural pigment.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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