Butterfly Pea Flower

Butterfly pea flower comes from the Clitoria ternatea plant, native to Southeast Asia. The flowers are dried and can be used to create a natural blue or purple dye.

Manufacturers use butterfly pea flower primarily for its natural coloring properties, imparting a vibrant blue hue to beverages and foods. It is often found in teas, drinks, and sometimes in baked goods or candies where a unique color is desired.

In the US, butterfly pea flower is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food ingredient. Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated it and found it safe for consumption. While generally considered safe, research into its specific health effects is ongoing, and it is not typically consumed in amounts large enough to cause concern.