Artificial Flavors & Colors

Artificial flavors are chemical mixtures designed to mimic specific natural tastes, such as fruit, spice, or meat flavors. Artificial colors are synthetic dyes, often derived from petroleum, used to add or restore color to foods and beverages. Both are created in laboratories to provide consistent taste and appearance.

Manufacturers add artificial flavors to enhance or create specific tastes in foods, especially when natural flavors are expensive, unstable, or unavailable. Artificial colors are used to make foods more visually appealing or to replace color lost during processing. They are commonly found in candies, sodas, baked goods, and snack foods.

The FDA regulates both artificial flavors and artificial colors, requiring them to be safe for their intended use. The FDA revoked the approval of Red No. 3 for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. In April 2025, the FDA announced 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. There has been debate about a possible link between some artificial colors and hyperactivity in children; while some studies suggest a link, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies continue to evaluate the science. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated individual artificial colors and set acceptable daily intakes for many of them.