Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth, processed and refined, and added to a variety of foods, as well as other consumer products. White in color, it is used to enhance the color and sheen of certain foods and is also key for food safety applications. In its natural state it exists in different bulk crystalline forms, such as anatase and rutile, but during processing it is ground into a very fine powder.

The most common foods containing titanium dioxide are chewing gum, candies, pastries, chocolates, coffee creamers, and cake decorations (1Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).