Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used inorganic mineral known for its bright white appearance. After processing, it becomes a white, powdery solid. This compound finds extensive application across various industries, including paints, cosmetics, sunscreens, and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to provide opacity and whiteness makes it a valuable additive in many consumer products.
Why Titanium Dioxide is Used in Candy
Titanium dioxide serves a specific function in confectionery products, primarily enhancing their visual appeal. It acts as a whitening agent and an opacifier, contributing to the bright, uniform appearance of candies. This additive helps to create vibrant colors by providing a white base, preventing colors from appearing dull or translucent. Candy manufacturers use titanium dioxide to give sweets a smooth, shiny, and consistent finish. Its role is purely aesthetic, as it offers no nutritional or preservative benefits.
Safety and Regulation
The regulatory status of titanium dioxide as a food additive differs significantly across various regions, reflecting differing interpretations of scientific evidence. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently permits the use of titanium dioxide as a color additive in foods, provided it does not exceed 1% by weight of the food. The FDA’s assessment, which was reaffirmed in March 2024, did not identify concerns related to potential genotoxicity, stating that available data did not indicate a cancer risk. Other international bodies, including the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency and Health Canada, have also concluded that titanium dioxide remains safe for use as a food additive. The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) similarly concluded in 2023 that TiO2 added to food is safe.
Conversely, the European Union (EU) implemented a ban on titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022, following a reassessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In its 2021 opinion, EFSA stated that a concern for genotoxicity, the potential to damage DNA, could not be ruled out for titanium dioxide particles, particularly nanoparticles. While acknowledging low oral absorption, EFSA noted that these particles could accumulate in the body. This decision means that E171 is no longer considered safe for use as a food additive in the EU. The divergence in regulatory opinions highlights the ongoing scientific debate regarding the long-term effects of titanium dioxide, especially concerning its nanoparticle form.
Common Candies Containing Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide has been a common ingredient in a wide array of candies, primarily due to its ability to create a bright, appealing appearance. Many hard-shelled candies, chewing gums, and certain types of mints have historically incorporated this additive. For instance, popular multicolored candies like Skittles have used titanium dioxide to achieve their vibrant hues and smooth coating. However, some manufacturers, including Mars Wrigley, have begun to remove titanium dioxide from their U.S. product lines, with Skittles in the U.S. transitioning to a titanium dioxide-free formulation by the end of 2024.
Other confectionery items known to use titanium dioxide include certain varieties of candy corn, such as Brach’s Fall Festival Candy Corn, and some sour gummies like Sour Patch Kids and Trolli. Peppermint candies, including some candy canes, have also been found to contain this additive. Additionally, it can be present in powdered donuts, cake decorations, icings, and some chewing gum products like Dubble Bubble.
Consumers should check ingredient labels, as formulations can change. Titanium dioxide may be listed explicitly as “titanium dioxide” or “colored with titanium dioxide.” In products adhering to European regulations, it may be identified by its E-number, “E171.” Some food labels may not explicitly name titanium dioxide but instead use general terms like “artificial color” or “color added,” making it more challenging to identify its presence.
Finding Titanium Dioxide-Free Candy
For consumers seeking to avoid titanium dioxide in their candy, several practical strategies can help in making informed choices. While checking ingredient labels is the most direct approach, other methods can also assist.
Choosing organic packaged foods can also be an effective strategy, as certified organic products generally do not permit the use of artificial colors, including titanium dioxide. Consumers might also consider avoiding ultra-processed foods, as these are more likely to contain various additives, including titanium dioxide. Many manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for “cleaner” labels and are actively reformulating their products to remove artificial ingredients, meaning more titanium dioxide-free options are becoming available.
When searching for alternatives, consumers can look for candies that utilize natural colorings or plant-based ingredients for their visual appeal. Some companies are exploring substitutes like calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, or various starches to achieve whiteness and opacity in confectionery. These alternatives aim to provide similar visual properties without relying on titanium dioxide. Staying informed about brand reformulations and seeking products that explicitly state they are free of artificial colorants can help consumers find candies that align with their preferences.