Is Lutein (E161b) Vegan?

Also known as: Xanthophyll, Vegetable lutein, Egg lutein

Depends on Source

Found in green leafy vegetables, marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta), and egg yolks. Commercial lutein used as a food colorant is predominantly extracted from marigold petals [vegan]. Egg-derived lutein exists but is mainly used in pharmaceutical/supplement contexts.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

E-Number

E161b

Also Known As

Xanthophyll; Vegetable lutein; Egg lutein

Source

Commonly Found In

Yellow colouring in some pastas, sauces, and confectionery. Also extensively used as a dietary supplement for eye health (macular degeneration prevention).

Vegan Alternative

Marigold-derived lutein is the commercial standard and is vegan. Check supplement labels specifically.

Additional Notes

Lutein has two distinct markets: food colouring (almost always marigold-derived and vegan) and eye health supplements (may be egg-derived in some products). Always check supplement labels — many specify 'marigold-derived' explicitly. The distinction matters because egg-yolk lutein is used in poultry feed to colour egg yolks, while marigold lutein is farmed as a dedicated crop.

In depth

How commercial lutein is produced

The lutein used as a food colorant and in most supplements is extracted from the petals of marigold flowers, primarily Tagetes erecta (African or Aztec marigold). These flowers are grown as a dedicated crop, harvested, and dried. The petals are processed into a meal, and the lutein is extracted using solvents to produce an oleoresin — a concentrated pigment paste.

Because lutein in marigold naturally occurs largely in a bound form (as fatty-acid esters), the oleoresin is often saponified — treated to release the free lutein — before being purified and standardized. The result is a yellow-to-orange pigment suitable for coloring food or for encapsulation as a supplement.

This marigold-based production route is plant-derived and does not involve animal inputs. Lutein also occurs naturally in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, where it is not extracted commercially but consumed directly as part of the food.

Why the source is not always clear on labels

On a packaged food, lutein used for color is typically listed as "lutein," "E161b," or "xanthophyll." These names do not indicate the botanical or animal origin, but for food-coloring purposes the source is almost always marigold, which is plant-derived.

The ambiguity is greater with dietary supplements. Lutein sold for eye health can be marigold-derived or, less commonly, egg-derived, and the capsule label may not always make this explicit. Some products state "marigold-derived" or "from Tagetes erecta" directly on the packaging, which resolves the question.

Supplement softgels can also raise a separate concern: the gelatin used to form the capsule shell is frequently animal-derived. So a lutein supplement may contain plant-sourced lutein inside an animal-sourced shell. Checking both the active ingredient and the capsule material gives a complete picture.

Marigold lutein versus egg lutein

The two sources of lutein reach the market by different routes. Marigold lutein is farmed deliberately: the flowers are grown specifically to be processed into pigment, making it a straightforward plant crop. Egg yolks are also a recognized dietary source of lutein — laying hens accumulate the pigment from their feed, which colors the yolk — and a small number of products describe their lutein as egg-derived, though marigold is by far the dominant commercial source.

The lutein in egg yolks itself often originates from marigold or other plant material added to poultry feed to deepen yolk color; the animal concentrates a pigment that started out plant-based.

For anyone avoiding animal products, marigold-derived lutein is the reliable choice and is the industry standard for food coloring. Where a supplement is described as "egg lutein" or lists egg as an ingredient, it is not suitable for a vegan diet.

Frequently asked questions

Is lutein vegan?

Lutein is usually vegan, because the commercial lutein used as a food colorant (E161b) is extracted from marigold flowers. Some eye-health supplements can be egg-derived, so supplement labels should be checked individually. As a colorant in packaged foods, marigold-derived lutein is the standard.

Is the lutein in eye supplements from eggs?

It can be, but most lutein supplements use marigold-derived lutein rather than egg-derived. Egg lutein exists but is less common. Look for "marigold-derived" or "from Tagetes erecta" on the label, and note that the softgel capsule shell may separately contain animal gelatin.

What is E161b?

E161b is the European food additive number for lutein, a yellow-orange pigment used to color foods. It is typically sourced from marigold petals and is plant-derived when used as a colorant. It appears in some pastas, sauces, and confectionery.

Where does food-grade lutein come from?

Food-grade lutein is produced mainly from the petals of marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta), which are grown as a dedicated crop. The petals are dried and the pigment is extracted and purified. This route is plant-based and does not use animal ingredients.

How can I tell if a lutein supplement is vegan?

Check both the lutein source and the capsule material. Choose products labeled "marigold-derived" or "from Tagetes erecta" and avoid any listing egg as an ingredient. Also confirm the capsule uses a plant-based shell rather than animal gelatin, or look for a vegan certification.

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