Natural Artificial Colors

The term "Natural Artificial Colors" is contradictory. Food colors are either natural, meaning they come from sources like plants, minerals, or insects, or they are artificial, meaning they are made synthetically. Food labels usually list the specific colorants used, such as "turmeric extract for color" or "Red 40."

Food colors are added to make foods look more appealing, replace color lost during processing, or help identify flavors. They are found in a wide variety of processed foods, including baked goods, candies, and beverages.

The health and regulatory status of food colors, which are approved by the FDA before use, depends on whether they are natural or artificial. For artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, the FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, and Red 3 was revoked for food use in January 2025. Some studies suggest a link between certain artificial colors and hyperactivity in some children, but evidence is mixed. Natural colors are generally considered safe, though some can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA evaluate specific natural and artificial colorants for safety.