Food dyes make products visually appealing but add zero nutritional value. Many synthetic dyes are banned or require warnings in other countries while remaining approved in the US.
| Name | Safety | Details |
|---|
| Red 40 (Allura Red) | 🔶 Warning | A synthetic red food dye used in snacks, cereals, and beverages. Linked to hyperactivity in children... |
| Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) | 🔶 Warning | Synthetic yellow dye used in snacks, cereals, and drinks. Banned in Norway and Austria. May cause al... |
| Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow) | 🔶 Warning | Synthetic orange-yellow dye in cheese, candy, and cereals. Linked to allergic reactions and behavior... |
| Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) | ⚠️ Caution | Synthetic blue dye used in candy, ice cream, and beverages. May cross blood-brain barrier. Banned in... |
| Red 3 (Erythrosine) | 🔴 Avoid | Synthetic red dye used in candy and maraschino cherries. Banned in cosmetics due to thyroid tumor ri... |
| Caramel Color | ⚠️ Caution | A widely used food coloring in sodas and sauces. Some types contain 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen.... |
| Beta-Carotene | ✅ Safe | A natural orange pigment and vitamin A precursor found in carrots. Used as both a colorant and nutri... |
| Turmeric (Curcumin) | ✅ Safe | A natural yellow spice used as a food colorant. Contains curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties.... |
| Paprika Extract (Oleoresin) | ✅ Safe | A natural red-orange colorant from paprika peppers. Used in snacks, cheese, and dressings. Very safe... |
| Beet Juice (Betanin) | ✅ Safe | A natural red colorant from beets. Used as a healthy alternative to synthetic red dyes. Very safe.... |
| Spirulina Extract | ✅ Safe | A natural blue-green colorant from algae. Rich in protein and antioxidants. Very safe and nutritious... |
| Carmine (Cochineal Extract) | ⚠️ Caution | A natural red dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Can cause allergic reactions. Not vegan.... |
| Annatto | ✅ Safe | A natural food coloring from achiote seeds. Used in cheese, butter, and snacks. Generally safe but r... |