Blue No. 1 Lake

Blue No. 1 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is a "lake" pigment, meaning the water-soluble dye Blue No. 1 (also known as Brilliant Blue FCF) is combined with an insoluble metallic salt, typically aluminum hydroxide. This process makes the color insoluble in water and more stable.

Manufacturers add Blue No. 1 Lake to provide a blue color to foods. It is commonly found in confectionery, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and snack foods. Its insolubility makes it useful for coloring fats and oils, and for products where color migration is undesirable.

Blue No. 1 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive, subject to certification. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue No. 1. JECFA has evaluated Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue No. 1) and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA also re-evaluated it in 2010. While some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in sensitive children, the evidence is mixed, and the FDA states that a causal link has not been established for the general population.