Artificial Colors Including Titanium Dioxide
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What it is
Artificial colors are synthetic substances, often derived from petroleum, used to add color to foods. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment made from a naturally occurring mineral.
Why it's used
These ingredients are added to foods to enhance or restore color, making products more visually appealing. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and snack foods.
Health notes
The FDA has approved various artificial colors for use in food. However, in January 2025, the FDA revoked the use of Red 3 for food, and in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. Some studies have suggested a link between certain synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed. Titanium dioxide remains permitted by the FDA as a food additive, but the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe, leading to its ban as a food additive in the EU in 2022.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.