Turmeric oleoresin
Turmeric oleoresin suppliers and sourcing guide
Turmeric oleoresin is the extract of dried turmeric rhizome, Curcuma longa, made by solvent extraction and solvent removal. Its yellow color comes mainly from curcuminoids, and it also carries turmeric flavor and volatile oil. For coloring, suppliers sell it by curcumin content as oleoresin, water-dispersible liquids with polysorbate or propylene glycol, and powders on carriers, used in mustard, pickles, dairy, snacks and beverages.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Turmeric extract · Curcuma longa · Curcumin color · E100
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of turmeric oleoresin
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Oleoresin
Viscous extract standardized to a stated curcumin content, used in oil-based seasonings and sauces.
Water-dispersible liquid
Oleoresin or curcumin dissolved or emulsified with polysorbate or propylene glycol for brines, beverages and dairy.
Powder
Curcumin spray-dried or plated on a carrier such as maltodextrin or gum arabic for dry mixes.
Low-flavor grades
Grades with reduced volatile oil for uses where turmeric taste is unwanted.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Curcumin content
- Total curcuminoids by spectrophotometry (about 425 nm) or HPLC, the basis for dose and price.
- Volatile oil
- Volatile oil content by distillation, which indicates how much turmeric flavor the grade carries.
- Residual solvents
- Residual extraction solvents by GC, against the limits for spice oleoresins.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS, reported against the limits in the color additive regulation and the supplier specification, with lead watched closely in turmeric.
- Pesticide residues
- Multi-residue pesticide screen, since dried rhizomes can carry residues.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms and Salmonella.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Curcumin fades quickly in light, so store turmeric oleoresin and its products in opaque, sealed containers in a cool place. Water-dispersible liquids may separate and should be mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and curcumin content is retested on aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Curcumin content and flavor vary by rhizome origin and crop, so record curcumin percent per lot and adjust dose. Check lead results on every lot rather than relying on a supplier's typical values.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.615 lists turmeric oleoresin, extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), as a color additive for coloring foods generally, exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.615 limits residues of extraction solvents to the levels permitted for the same solvents in spice oleoresins.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 182.20 lists turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives generally recognized as safe for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Turmeric oleoresin suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking turmeric oleoresin suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell turmeric oleoresin? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of turmeric oleoresin can brands buy?
Common forms include oleoresin, water-dispersible liquid, powder and low-flavor grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for turmeric oleoresin include?
Expect curcumin content, volatile oil, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticide residues and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should turmeric oleoresin be stored?
Curcumin fades quickly in light, so store turmeric oleoresin and its products in opaque, sealed containers in a cool place. Water-dispersible liquids may separate and should be mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and curcumin content is retested on aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of turmeric oleoresin?
21 CFR 73.615 lists turmeric oleoresin, extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), as a color additive for coloring foods generally, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.615 limits residues of extraction solvents to the levels permitted for the same solvents in spice oleoresins. 21 CFR 182.20 lists turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives generally recognized as safe for their intended use.
More colors
- AnnattoAnnatto extract · Bixa orellana
- Caramel colorCaramel · E150a
- Paprika oleoresinPaprika extract · Capsicum annuum
- Carmine (cochineal)Cochineal extract · Carminic acid
- Spirulina extract (color)Phycocyanin · Arthrospira platensis extract
- Vegetable juice colorVegetable juice (color) · Coloring foodstuff
- Fruit juice colorFruit juice (color) · Coloring foodstuff
- Butterfly pea flower extractClitoria ternatea extract · Blue pea flower extract
- Beet juice colorBeet red · Beetroot red
- Grape skin extractEnocianina · Grape skin extract (enocianina)
- Carrot oilDaucus carota oil · Carrot oleoresin
- Sodium copper chlorophyllinChlorophyllin-copper complex · Copper chlorophyllin
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