Yellow Coloring

Yellow coloring is a general term for any substance added to food to impart or enhance a yellow hue. These colorings can be derived from natural sources, such as plants or insects, or they can be synthetically produced.

Manufacturers add yellow coloring to foods primarily for aesthetic reasons, to make products look more appealing or to maintain a consistent appearance. It is commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including baked goods, snacks, beverages, and dairy products.

Yellow coloring is a broad category, and the FDA regulates all color additives to ensure their safety for intended use. Some yellow colorings, like annatto extract and turmeric, are derived from natural sources and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved for use. Other yellow colorings, such as Yellow 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (sunset yellow), are synthetic, petroleum-based dyes. Concerns about synthetic food dyes, including their potential link to hyperactivity in some children, have been raised, though scientific evidence on this topic is mixed. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many specific yellow color additives, and for some, they have set an acceptable daily intake. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, from the food supply.