Pigmentary TiO₂ particles are approximately 200-350nm in dimension and this form accounts for 98 percent of total production. It is used mainly for light scattering and surface opacity applications. It is used as a base for various colour paints or as a standalone ‘brilliant’ white.

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TiO₂ has been well accepted in the food industry and can be found as the E171 additive in various food products, mainly for whitening and texture. It is present in some cottage and Mozzarella cheeses, horseradish cream and sauces, lemon curd, and in low-fat products such as skimmed milk and ice-cream. Even if the product is labelled as containing E171, no information is usually given about the quantity, particle size and particle structure. FDA claims that TiO₂ may be safely used as a colour additive for colouring foods in quantities up to 1 % by weight of the food. Interestingly, TiO₂ is frequently declared as a “natural colouring agent” and is therefore well accepted by consumers.