The E161 group are Xanthophylls, (from the Greek, Xanthos - yellow). They are yellow pigments, although E161g is more orange, and related to carotene. Extracted using the solvent hexane they normally contain other source plant material.

Lutein is found in egg yolks, fat cells and green leaves.

Can be obtained from the same sources and at the same time as Chlorophyll, E140, and is often used in poultry feed to enhance the colour of egg yolks (see also E160c).