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Common Additives in Breakfast Cereal

BHT, artificial colors, vitamins in your cereal.

Why these additives?

Breakfast cereals are one of the most heavily fortified and additive-rich food categories. BHT (E321) is commonly added to cereal packaging or directly to the product to prevent fat oxidation. Artificial colors make children-targeted cereals visually appealing. Vitamins and minerals are added to meet nutritional claims. Understanding which additives are in your cereal — and why — helps you make informed choices at the breakfast table.

Curcumin
E100

Natural yellow color from turmeric
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
E101

Yellow color, also a vitamin
Tartrazine
E102

Yellow dye. EU requires warning label: may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children
Alkannin
E103

Red dye. Formerly used, now delisted in EU
Quinoline Yellow
E104

EU requires warning label for children
Fast Yellow AB
E105

Yellow azo dye. Delisted, not permitted in EU
Yellow 2G
E107

Yellow azo dye. Withdrawn from EU approved list in 2007
Sunset Yellow FCF
E110

Orange-yellow dye. EU warning label required
Orange GGN
E111

Orange dye. Delisted in EU
Cochineal / Carminic Acid
E120

Red color derived from insects
Citrus Red 2
E121

Red dye. Not permitted in EU. Approved in US only for orange peel coloring
Azorubine / Carmoisine
E122

Red dye. EU warning label required
Amaranth
E123

Red dye. Banned in US (Red No. 2). Limited use in EU
Ponceau 4R
E124

Red dye. EU warning label required. Banned in US
Scarlet GN (Ponceau SX)
E125

Red dye. Formerly used, now delisted
Ponceau 6R
E126

Red dye. Delisted in EU
Erythrosine
E127

Red dye. Limited to cocktail cherries in EU
Red 2G
E128

Red dye. Withdrawn from EU in 2007 over safety concerns
Allura Red AC
E129

Red dye (Red 40 in US). EU warning label required
Indanthrene Blue RS
E130

Blue dye. Delisted in EU
Patent Blue V
E131

Blue dye. Not approved in US
Indigotine / Indigo Carmine
E132

Blue dye
Brilliant Blue FCF
E133

Blue dye (Blue 1 in US)
Chlorophylls
E140

Natural green color from plants
Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls
E141

Stable green color
Green S
E142

Green dye. Not approved in US, Canada, Japan, or Norway
Fast Green FCF
E143

Green dye. Approved in US (FD&C Green No. 3) but not in EU
Fast Green FCF (US numbering)
E143a

Approved in US as FD&C Green No. 3. Not approved in EU
Caramel Color (generic)
E150

Generic entry for caramel colors. See E150a-E150d for specific classes
Plain Caramel
E150a

Brown color from heated sugar
Caustic Sulphite Caramel
E150b

Brown color
Ammonia Caramel
E150c

Brown color used in cola drinks
Sulphite Ammonia Caramel
E150d

Brown color
Brilliant Black BN
E151

Black dye. Not approved in US
Vegetable Carbon
E153

Black color
Brown FK
E154

Brown dye. Only for kippers in UK. Not in US
Brown HT
E155

Brown dye. Not approved in US
Carotenes
E160a

Orange color from carrots
Annatto / Bixin / Norbixin
E160b

Orange-red from annatto seeds
Paprika Extract / Capsanthin
E160c

Red-orange from paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does cereal contain BHT?
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, E321) is an antioxidant added to cereal and its packaging to prevent the fats in the product from going rancid. It extends shelf life significantly. BHT is controversial — it is restricted in some countries and has been linked to potential health effects in some studies. Many 'natural' or organic cereal brands use tocopherols (vitamin E) as a safer alternative antioxidant.
Are the added vitamins in cereal actually beneficial?
Fortified vitamins and minerals in cereal (iron, B vitamins, vitamin D) can help fill nutritional gaps, especially for children. However, some nutritionists argue that synthetic vitamins added to processed cereals are not as beneficial as nutrients from whole foods. The fortification also allows manufacturers to market sugary cereals as 'nutritious.' Look at the full ingredient list, not just vitamin claims, when evaluating cereal.
Which breakfast cereals have the fewest additives?
Plain oatmeal has zero additives. Puffed rice and puffed wheat cereals typically have minimal additives. Granola can be simple (oats, honey, oil) but watch for added flavors and preservatives. Among boxed cereals, organic brands generally use fewer artificial additives. Avoid cereals with artificial colors, BHT/BHA, and long ingredient lists.
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