And Blue # 1 Lake
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What it is
Blue #1 Lake is a color additive used to give foods a blue hue. It is a 'lake' pigment, which means the dye (Blue #1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF) is chemically bonded to an insoluble material, often aluminum hydroxide. This makes the color stable and suitable for products with little moisture or fat.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add Blue #1 Lake to provide a vibrant blue color to various food products. It is commonly found in candies, chewing gum, baked goods, and snack foods, especially those that require a stable color that won't bleed.
Health notes
Blue #1 Lake is a certified color additive approved for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue #1. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated Blue #1 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested potential links between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children, though evidence is mixed and further research is ongoing.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.