A method of improving the color of a high impact polystyrene comprising preparing a reaction mixture comprising styrene, elastomer and at least one antioxidant, and introducing to the reaction mixture a color improving additive prior to the addition of any oxidizing agents to the reaction mixture. A high impact polystyrene comprising a color improving additive, an elastomer and at least one antioxidant wherein the color improving additive is present in the reaction process for production of the high impact polystyrene prior to the introduction of an oxidizing agent and wherein the high impact polystyrene has a 50% to 200% reduction in the Yellowness index as determined in accordance with ASTM E 313 when compared to an otherwise identical polystyrene lacking a color improving additive.