Blue 2 Lake

Blue 2 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is a "lake" pigment, meaning it's made by combining the water-soluble dye Indigotine (also known as Blue 2) with an insoluble metallic salt, typically aluminum hydroxide. This process makes the color stable and suitable for use in products with little moisture or fat.

Manufacturers add Blue 2 Lake to provide a blue color to foods. Because it's insoluble in water, it's often used in products where the color needs to stay put, such as baked goods, confectionery coatings, and dry mixes. It's commonly found in candies, cookies, and chocolate products.

Blue 2 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in foods. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 2. JECFA has evaluated Indigotine (Blue 2) and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Blue 2, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link.