Ingredient

To Maintain Natural Color

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add ingredients labeled 'To Maintain Natural Color' to keep foods looking appealing and …

What it is

To Maintain Natural Color is a general labeling term used to describe ingredients that help preserve the natural color of a food product. These can be derived from various natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, or spices, and are added to prevent color fading or browning that can occur during processing or storage.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add ingredients labeled 'To Maintain Natural Color' to keep foods looking appealing and fresh. They are often found in products where color is important, such as frozen potatoes, breakfast items, and prepared sides, to prevent discoloration and maintain visual quality.

Health notes

The specific ingredients used to maintain natural color vary widely, and their health implications depend on the individual ingredient. Many are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many natural colorants and preservatives. Evidence on the health effects of these ingredients at typical dietary levels is generally reassuring, though specific concerns may exist for certain individual compounds.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. The specific ingredients used can vary, but the general category does not inherently contain major allergens.

Products containing To Maintain Natural Color

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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sour Cream & Onion Fries Super Crunch, Sour Cream & Onion Fries French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 165kcal 2.4Protein 5.9Fat 23.5Carbs Discount Inc. Chili Cheese Fries, Chili 'N Cheddar French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 165kcal 3.5Protein 8.2Fat 20Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Loaded Mashed With Bacon, Butter, Sour Cream And Green Onions Potatoes, Loaded Mashed Frozen Prepared Sides High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 98kcal 1.6Protein 4.9Fat 12.2Carbs Bare Foods Inc. Tater Sticks Frozen Prepared Sides 224kcal 1.2Protein 11.8Fat 25.9Carbs Flagship Food Group North America LLC Mega Breakfast Burritos Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 74% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 40% DV per serving 237kcal 7.8Protein 11.3Fat 26.5Carbs Flagship Food Group North America LLC Sausage & Egg Breakfast Wrap Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 288kcal 8.3Protein 17.3Fat 24.4Carbs Flagship Food Group North America LLC Meat Lovers Breakfast Chimichanga Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 263kcal 7.7Protein 14.1Fat 27.6Carbs Steak Cut French Fries Flagship Food Group North America LLC Steak Cut French Fries French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 141kcal 2.4Protein 3.5Fat 23.5Carbs Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns & Pork Sausage Links Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 95% DV per serving 195kcal 8.2Protein 13.8Fat 11.3Carbs Mr. Dee's Inc. Mr. Dee's, Potato Classics, Hash Brown Potato Patties French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 206kcal 1.6Protein 12.7Fat 22.2Carbs Qdc, Inc. Bacon Breakfast Bowl Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 107% DV per serving 217kcal 11.1Protein 13.1Fat 10.6Carbs Mr. Dee's Inc. Hash Brown Patties French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 206kcal 1.6Protein 12.7Fat 22.2Carbs
Salt (34 products) Potatoes (34 products) Dextrose (31 products) Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate (25 products) Water (24 products) Vegetable Oil (21 products) Canola (21 products) Citric Acid (21 products) Soybean (20 products) Enzymes (20 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.