Includes Blue 2 Lake

Blue 2 Lake is a synthetic color additive. It is the insoluble form of the dye Indigotine, also known as FD&C Blue No. 2. Lake pigments are made by combining a dye with an inert material, often aluminum hydroxide.

Manufacturers add Blue 2 Lake to foods to give them a blue color. It is commonly found in candies, snacks, and baked goods. Because it is insoluble, it is often used in products where the color needs to be stable and not bleed, such as in coatings or fat-based products.

Blue 2 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 2. The World Health Organization's Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Indigotine and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated Indigotine. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link.