The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction was performed on linoleic acid 13-monohydroperoxide, autoxidized fatty esters, edible fats and oils, rat liver microsomal lipids, and on human erythrocyte ghost lipids in order to determine which substances from peroxidized lipids are TBA-reactive. The reaction was carried out in 2% acetic acid containing butylated hydroxytoluene using two different reaction modes: a one-step mode which involves heating at 100°C, and a two-step mode which involves first treatment at 5°C and subsequent heating at 100°C. Yields of the red 1∶2 malonaldehyde/TBA adduct, as estimated by absorbance, fluorescence intensity and high-performance liquid chromatography, were much higher than the malonaldehyde content as determined by direct chemical analysis. Yields of red pigment obtained by the two-step mode were slightly higher than those obtained by the one-step mode. Pigment yields were dramatically increased by addition oft-butyl hydroperoxide. Red pigment formation from alkenals and alkadienals was similarly enhanced by the two-step mode or by addition oft-butyl hydroperoxide, whereas pigment formation from malonaldehyde was not. It appears likely that a component of the total red pigment formed from the peroxidized lipids was due to aldehyde species other than malonaldehyde.