Blue

The term "Blue" in food ingredients typically refers to synthetic food colorings such as Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) and Blue 2 (Indigotine). These are chemical compounds that are manufactured from petroleum.

These synthetic blue dyes are added to foods to provide a blue color. They are commonly used in candies, beverages, baked goods, and other processed foods where a bright blue hue is desired.

Blue 1 and Blue 2 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1 and Blue 2. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated these dyes and set acceptable daily intakes. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated them. There have been ongoing discussions and some concerns about a potential link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed and not conclusive.