Is Chlorophylls (E140) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E140

Also known as: Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyllins (E141), Copper chlorophyllin

Source

Extracted from plant material — primarily grass, nettles, spinach, or other green plants. The copper complex version (E141) is derived similarly but modified with copper ions.

Commonly found in

Green sweets, ice cream, chewing gum, savoury sauces, some spirits (green absinthe), health products.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed — E140 and E141 are vegan.

Notes

One of the most natural-seeming food colorants, being the same compound that makes plants green. However, it is unstable and fades in light and acidic conditions — hence the more stable copper chlorophyllin (E141) is used in commercial products. Both are vegan. Marketed as a health supplement in some contexts with limited evidence.