Chlorophylls (E140) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Chlorophylls?
Chlorophylls are natural green pigments extracted from edible plants such as nettles, grass, and alfalfa. They are the same pigments responsible for the green color of all photosynthetic plants and are among the safest food colorings available.
What Is It Used For?
Provides green coloring to foods and beverages. Used in pasta, confectionery, ice cream, and green-colored drinks to achieve a natural green appearance.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Natural plant pigment present in all green vegetables. No safety concerns. Color can be unstable (degrades with heat, light, acid), which is why copper chlorophylls (E141) are often preferred for food use. Chlorophyll supplements are widely marketed as health products.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Chlorophylls an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 3.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2015.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E140 or 'Chlorophylls'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Chlorophylls
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E140
- INS Number
- 140
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- Approved (exempt from certification, natural color)
- EFSA Status
- Approved in EU — ADI not specified (considered safe, no limit needed)
- ADI
- Not specified mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2015
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family