Certified Natural And Artificial Flavors And Colors

This ingredient refers to a mixture of substances used to give food its taste and appearance. Natural flavors come from plants, animals, or spices. Artificial flavors are made in labs to taste like natural ones. Colors can be from natural sources or made synthetically.

Manufacturers add these ingredients to make foods taste and look better. They are often found in candies, baked goods, drinks, and snacks to give them specific flavors and colors.

Both flavors and colors are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many flavor ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or are approved food additives. Artificial colors must be approved by the FDA. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to slowly stop the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. The FDA also revoked Red 3 for food in January 2025, with companies having until January 2027 to remove it. Some studies have linked artificial colors to hyperactivity in children, but the scientific evidence is mixed. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated many artificial colors and set acceptable daily intakes. Natural colors, which come from plants, animals, or minerals, are generally considered safe by the FDA.