The Following: Colored With

The phrase "Colored With" on a food label indicates that coloring agents have been added to the product. These colors can come from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, or spices, or they can be synthetic, meaning they are man-made.

Food manufacturers add colors to food to enhance its visual appeal, to replace color lost during processing, or to ensure a uniform appearance. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including baked goods, candies, beverages, and dairy products.

Food colors are regulated by the FDA as food additives. The FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. Additionally, the FDA revoked Red 3 for use in food in January 2025. Some synthetic food colors have been associated with hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on a direct causal link is mixed and not all studies agree. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA evaluate individual food colors for safety.