15/10/2026
WHAT IS IN SHOP-BOUGHT/ONLINE FONDANT AND CAKE DRIP ICING? THIS IS A MASSIVE MARKET NOW. -
Many ready-made cake decorating products contain more than simply sugar, water and colouring.
1. Artificial food colours – including those carrying UK warnings
The following six colours require a warning on food packaging in the UK:
- E102 – Tartrazine: Yellow artificial colouring.
- E104 – Quinoline Yellow: Yellow artificial colouring.
- E110 – Sunset Yellow: Orange-yellow artificial colouring.
- E122 – Carmoisine: Red artificial colouring.
- E124 – Ponceau 4R: Red artificial colouring.
- E129 – Allura Red: Red artificial colouring.
OFFICIAL UK WARNING:
"May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Research has identified a possible association between these six artificial colours and increased hyperactivity in some children. The evidence does not establish that every child will be affected.
2. Other colours used in cake decorations
- E120 – Carmine: Red colouring derived from cochineal insects.
- E133 – Brilliant Blue FCF: Synthetic blue colouring.
- E153 – Vegetable Carbon: Black colouring.
- E160a – Carotenes: Yellow-orange colouring.
- E160c – Paprika Extract: Red-orange colouring.
- E161b – Lutein: Yellow colouring.
- E162 – Beetroot Red: Red colouring.
These do not carry the same mandatory hyperactivity warning as the six colours listed above.
3. Preservatives
- E202 – Potassium Sorbate: Helps prevent mould and yeast growth.
- E200 – Sorbic Acid: Preservative used in certain food formulations.
- E211 – Sodium Benzoate: Preservative used in some food products.
4. Emulsifiers and stabilisers
- E322 – Lecithins: Help fats and other ingredients mix.
- E471 – Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids: Emulsifier.
- E492 – Sorbitan Tristearate: Emulsifier.
- E415 – Xanthan Gum: Thickener and stabiliser.
- E466 – Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Thickener and stabiliser.
- E413 – Tragacanth Gum: Thickener and stabiliser.
5. Humectants, acidity regulators and other additives
- E422 – Glycerol: Helps retain moisture and keep fondant pliable.
- E330 – Citric Acid: Controls acidity.
- E551 – Silicon Dioxide: Anti-caking agent.
- E1520 – Propylene Glycol: Used as a carrier or humectant in certain formulations.
6. Other common ingredients
- Refined sugar
- Glucose syrup
- Palm oil
- Hydrogenated palm kernel fat
- Sunflower oil
- Skimmed milk powder
- Whey powder
- Cocoa powder
- Artificial or natural flavourings
- Water
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
Not all cake-decorating products contain every additive listed above. Ingredients depend on the manufacturer, colour and formulation.
The UK requires warning labels for the six specified artificial colours because of evidence of possible effects on children's activity and attention.
Other E-numbers have different functions and safety assessments. Their presence does not automatically mean a product is harmful.
Consumers should check the full ingredient list, allergen information and any warning statements before purchasing or using these products, particularly for children's celebration cakes.
Note - Compared to old fashioned Bakers cakes like myself and some others, no competition on health and wellbeing . Always ask your Cakemaker for the full list of ingredients and additives - You and your children's health depends on that.
