Artificial Flavors And Colors

Artificial flavors are chemical mixtures created to mimic the taste of natural ingredients. Artificial colors are synthetic substances, often made from petroleum, used to add or enhance the color of foods. Both are produced in laboratories.

Manufacturers add artificial flavors to give foods a specific taste profile or to boost existing flavors. Artificial colors are used to make foods more visually appealing, to identify flavors (like red for cherry), or to restore color lost during processing. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and snack foods.

In the US, artificial flavors are regulated by the FDA as food additives, and artificial colors are regulated as color additives. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. Additionally, the FDA revoked Red 3 for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. Some studies have suggested a possible link between certain artificial colors and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not all studies confirm this. Many individual artificial flavors and colors have been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA and EFSA.