Blue Lake #1 & #2

Blue Lake dyes, such as FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake and FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, are synthetic color additives. They are made by combining water-soluble blue dyes with an insoluble base, typically alumina hydrate, to create a pigment that does not dissolve in water.

These lake dyes are used to impart a blue color to foods, especially those with low moisture or high fat content. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, snack coatings, and other processed foods where a stable, non-bleeding color is desired.

In the US, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake and FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake are approved by the FDA as color additives, requiring certification for each batch. JECFA has evaluated both dyes and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the FDA states that current evidence does not support a causal link for the general population. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Blue 1 and Blue 2.