Indigotine
Synthetic blue, generally tolerated.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 5 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Indigotine is a synthetic indigoid dye — not an azo dye — the water-soluble form of indigo.
How it is used in food
Provides a dark blue color.
Commonly found in- Confectionery
- Ice cream
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
Health and safety
None major; generally well tolerated.
Poorly absorbed; EFSA found no safety concern at reported intakes.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (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
- E132
Also printed asBlue 2 · FD&C Blue No. 2 · Indigo Carmine
Worth knowing
It is the synthetic cousin of indigo, the dye that colors blue jeans.
Conclusion
You do not need to avoid Indigotine unless you prefer to skip synthetic food dyes altogether. This water-soluble synthetic indigo dye is poorly absorbed by the body, and EFSA found no safety concerns at reported intake levels. With an acceptable daily intake of 5 mg per kg of body weight, its presence in sweets, soft drinks, or ice cream remains a very limited concern.
References
- EFSA evaluation of E132 — EFSA
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
← All additives