May Or May Not Contain: Blue 1

Blue 1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic food coloring that provides a bright blue hue. It is manufactured from petroleum through chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add Blue 1 to foods to give them a blue color. It is commonly found in a variety of products such as candies, beverages, baked goods, ice cream, and frostings.

Blue 1 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated Blue 1 and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Blue 1, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence remains mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Blue 1, from food products.