Color & Flavor

The term "Color & Flavor" is a generic ingredient listing that indicates a food product contains substances added to provide both color and taste. These substances can be derived from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, or extracts, or they can be synthetic (artificial) chemicals.

Manufacturers add ingredients labeled "Color & Flavor" to enhance the visual appeal and taste profile of food products. This is common in processed foods like snacks, beverages, candies, and seasoning mixes. The specific function is to make the product more attractive and palatable to consumers.

The health implications of "Color & Flavor" depend entirely on the specific colorants and flavorings used, as this is a broad category. All food additives, including colors and flavors, must be approved by the FDA or be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Some artificial colors, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, have been the subject of debate regarding potential links to hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and the FDA has not found a conclusive link for the general population. In January 2025, the FDA revoked the approval for Red 3 for use in food, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. Additionally, in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out other petroleum-based synthetic dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, Orange B).