Ingredient

Artificial Food Color

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add artificial food colors to make foods more visually appealing or to maintain …

What it is

Artificial food colors are synthetic substances created in laboratories, primarily from petroleum. They are used to add or restore color to foods and beverages. Unlike natural colors, they do not come from plant, animal, or mineral sources.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add artificial food colors to make foods more visually appealing or to maintain a consistent appearance. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, processed snacks, and some dairy products.

Health notes

In the United States, specific artificial food colors are approved by the FDA as food additives. The FDA revoked Red 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, and Green 3. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent effect. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various individual artificial colors, with EFSA concluding in some cases that certain dyes may pose health concerns.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Artificial Food Color

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Golden Sweet Corn REGENT Golden Sweet Corn Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 500kcal 6.7Protein 23.3Fat 66.7Carbs Shan Food Industries Custard Powder, Strawberry Puddings & Custards 358kcal 10Protein 10Fat 47.5Carbs Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Potato Schnuck Markets, Inc. Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Potato Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 157kcal 2.1Protein 9.3Fat 21.4Carbs Ron's Home Style Foods, Inc. Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Potato Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 143kcal 1.4Protein 7.1Fat 19.3Carbs Schnuck Markets, Inc. Fresh Macaroni Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 207kcal 3.6Protein 10Fat 24.3Carbs Ron's Home Style Foods, Inc. Classic Potato Salads, Classic Potato Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 200kcal 1.4Protein 13.6Fat 17.9Carbs Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Schnuck Markets, Inc. Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 157kcal 2.1Protein 9.3Fat 21.4Carbs Schnuck Markets, Inc. Macaroni Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 207kcal 3.6Protein 10Fat 24.3Carbs Ron's Home Style Foods, Inc. Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Deviled Egg Potato Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 49% DV per serving 243kcal 4.3Protein 20Fat 12.9Carbs Deviled Egg Potato Salads, Deviled Egg Potato Ron's Home Style Foods, Inc. Deviled Egg Potato Salads, Deviled Egg Potato Deli Salads High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 49% DV per serving 29kcal 4.3Protein 20Fat 12.9Carbs Ron's Home Style Foods, Inc. Mustard Potato Salad, Mustard Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving —kcal 1.4Protein 7.1Fat 19.3Carbs
Salt (10 products) Red Peppers (9 products) Sugar (9 products) Water (9 products) Citric Acid (9 products) Natural Flavors (9 products) Preservative (9 products) Mustard (9 products) Cucumbers (9 products) Distilled Vinegar (9 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.