Food Color Gel

Food color gel is a concentrated coloring agent used to add or enhance the color of food products. It is typically made by combining food-grade dyes or pigments with a gel base, often composed of corn syrup, glycerin, or propylene glycol, and sometimes a stabilizer like agar or xanthan gum.

Manufacturers add food color gel to make food visually appealing by providing vibrant and consistent colors. It is commonly found in baked goods, frostings, candies, and beverages where color plays a significant role in consumer perception.

Food color gel is regulated by the FDA as a food additive. Some artificial colors used in these gels have faced scrutiny, and the FDA has revoked the approval for Red 3 in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out several petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including some that may be used in food color gels. While regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various food colorings, the evidence regarding the health effects of specific dyes at typical consumption levels can be mixed, and some studies have raised concerns.