Color Additives

Definition

Color additives are substances that are added to food or drinks to alter or enhance their color.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Color additives include any dye, pigment, or substance that imparts color when added or applied to a food, drug, or cosmetic. These may be derived from natural or synthetic sources and are used to maintain or improve the appearance of a product.

Benefits

• Enhance the visual appeal of food products.
• Help to maintain color consistency in products.
• Restore color lost during processing or storage.
• Provide color to colorless or fun products.

Examples

• Artificial colors like Blue No. 1, Red No. 40.
• Natural colors like beet juice or turmeric.
• Caramel coloring used in colas.
• Annatto extract used in cheese.

Additional Information

• knownIssues: Some color additives have been associated with allergic reactions and may cause behavioral effects in children.

Related Terms

• Food Additives
• Preservatives
• Artificial Flavors
• Emulsifiers

References

• FDA Overview of Color Additives
• EFSA Review on Food Additives