Titanium dioxide is a food additive that is used to make food more visually appealing, to give color to food that would otherwise be colorless, or to restore the original appearance of food. It is a white pigment that is also used in a variety of products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, paints, and plastics. In food and drugs, this additive is known as E171 and helps define colors clearly and can prevent UV degradation. It is commonly found in over 3,000 different food products, including candy, coffee creamer, baking and cake decorations, white sauces, chewing gum, ice cream, frozen pizzas, drink and jello mixes, and many other food categories.

However, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of titanium dioxide, and European food safety regulators have labeled it as no longer safe for human consumption due to its potential toxicity. Animal studies show exposure to titanium dioxide is linked to immunotoxicity, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. The FDA considers it safe, but high intake could be harmful. The FDA provides strict guidelines on how much can be used in food, and the limit is very small: no more than 1% titanium dioxide by weight of the food product.

If you want to avoid this additive, be sure to read food and drink labels carefully. Foods with titanium dioxide are typically candies, pastries, chewing gum, coffee creamers, chocolates, and cake decorations. However, it is important to note that there may be different trade or generic names for the compound that manufacturers may list instead of “titanium dioxide,” so it is important to get informed. Considering titanium dioxide is present in mostly processed foods, it’s easy to avoid by opting for a diet of whole, unprocessed food.