Blue Color Blend

Blue Color Blend is a general term for a mixture of color additives used to give foods a blue color. These blends often contain synthetic dyes, but can also include natural color sources. The specific components of a 'Blue Color Blend' vary by manufacturer.

The primary function of a blue color blend is to impart a blue hue to food products. It is commonly found in confectionery, such as candies and flavored chocolates, and in certain pasta varieties to create visually appealing dishes.

In the US, 'Blue Color Blend' often refers to formulations containing FDA-approved synthetic color additives like Blue 1 and Blue 2. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1 and Blue 2. International bodies like JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have evaluated common blue food colors and established acceptable daily intakes. Some research has suggested a possible link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent effect.