Colored Sugar Also Contains: Confectioner's Glaze

Colored sugar is granulated sugar that has been coated with artificial colors and confectioner's glaze. Confectioner's glaze is a resinous coating made from shellac, which is secreted by the lac beetle. The sugar is typically coated to give it a bright, uniform color.

Manufacturers add colored sugar to provide visual appeal and bright colors to baked goods and candies. It is commonly used in cookies, cakes, and other confectionery items to create decorative effects.

The FDA permits the use of artificial colors in food. Some artificial colors, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are subject to a planned phase-out by the FDA due to environmental concerns. Confectioner's glaze is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. While some studies have explored potential links between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies like the FDA have not established a causal link at typical consumption levels.