Artificial Flavor And Color

Artificial flavors are chemical mixtures developed in laboratories to mimic the taste of natural ingredients. Artificial colors are synthetic dyes, also made in laboratories, that are added to foods to give them a specific hue. They do not come from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, or spices.

Artificial flavors are used to enhance or create specific tastes in foods and beverages, often at a lower cost than natural alternatives. Artificial colors are added to make foods more visually appealing, consistent in color, or to identify certain flavors. They are common in sodas, powdered drinks, and baked goods.

Artificial flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved food additives by the FDA, and many have been evaluated by JECFA, which has set acceptable daily intakes. Artificial colors are approved by the FDA as color additives, but the FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, and revoked Red 3 for food use in January 2025. While some studies suggest a link between certain artificial colors and hyperactivity in children, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.