As the FDA phases out synthetic food dyes, companies are switching to natural alternatives. Here's what you need to know about the difference.
Artificial Food Dyes
Synthetic food dyes are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They were developed in the mid-1800s as cheaper, more stable alternatives to natural colorants. Today, only seven synthetic dyes are FDA-approved for food use in the US.
Natural Color Alternatives
Red Replacements (for Red 40)
- Beet juice / beetroot extract — Most common Red 40 replacement
- Carmine (cochineal extract) — From insects; not vegan
- Lycopene — From tomatoes
- Anthocyanins — From red cabbage, berries
Yellow Replacements (for Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
- Turmeric / curcumin — Most popular natural yellow
- Annatto — From achiote seeds; commonly used in cheese
- Saffron — Expensive but effective
- Beta-carotene — From carrots; also adds nutrition
Blue Replacements (for Blue 1, Blue 2)
- Spirulina extract — Blue-green algae; FDA-approved since 2013
- Butterfly pea flower — Naturally vivid blue
Green Replacements (for Green 3)
- Chlorophyll / chlorophyllin — From plants
- Spirulina + turmeric blend — Blue + yellow = green
Why Haven't All Companies Switched?
Natural colors are:
- More expensive — 5-10x the cost of synthetic dyes
- Less stable — Can fade with light, heat, or pH changes
- Different in appearance — Often less vibrant than synthetic versions
However, consumer demand and the FDA phase-out are accelerating the transition. Major brands like General Mills, Nestlé, and Mars have already begun reformulating.
How to Find Dye-Free Products
Looking for brands that avoid both artificial dyes AND seed oils? Check out Origin Recipe's seed oil free brands directory for brands that use clean ingredients across the board.
Use DyeFreeCheck to verify any product is free from artificial dyes. Browse our categories for verified options: