Blue I Lake

Blue 1 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is a 'lake' pigment, meaning the dye (Blue 1) is chemically bonded to an inert material, usually aluminum hydroxide, making it insoluble in water. This form allows it to be used in products where the color needs to be stable in fats or oils.

Manufacturers add Blue 1 Lake to give foods a blue color. Because it is insoluble, it is often used in products where the color needs to be stable in fats or oils, or where moisture migration is a concern. It is found in snacks, baked goods, and confectionery, such as popcorn, candies, and dessert toppings.

Blue 1 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1, from food products. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) have evaluated Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1) and established acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have explored a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Blue 1, and hyperactivity in children, though evidence has been mixed and not all studies have found a conclusive link.