Chlorophylls

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 140

Food additives Europe numbers: E140 

Chlorophylls, on their own, aren't typically listed as excipients in food. Here's why:

• Natural Plant Pigment: Chlorophyll is a natural green pigment found abundantly in plants. It plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
• Not Usually Added to Food: Because chlorophyll is already present in many green vegetables and leafy greens, it wouldn't typically be added as an external coloring agent in most cases.

However, there are some situations where processed foods might contain chlorophyll-related additives:

• Chlorophyllin, a Derivative: In some cases, processed foods might use chlorophyllin, a water-soluble salt derived from chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is sometimes preferred over chlorophyll because it offers better stability in certain food applications.
• Chlorophyll with Added Copper: Chlorophyll itself isn't very stable in processed foods. If a food requires a green color using chlorophyll, it might use a form where copper is added to create a more stable complex suitable for food use. This complex might be referred to as "chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, copper complexes" on ingredient lists.