3 New Natural and Non-Toxic Food Dyes Approved by FDA

FDA Approves Three New Natural Food Dyes as Part of Push Toward Cleaner Ingredients

May 9, 2025

In a major step toward reducing synthetic ingredients in the American food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved three new natural dyes for use in food products. The decision supports the growing shift toward healthier, more transparent food labeling and comes amid federal efforts to phase out petroleum-based artificial dyes by 2026.

The newly approved color additives include:

• Galdieria Extract Blue: Sourced from Galdieria sulphuraria, a species of algae, this dye produces a bright blue hue and can now be used in items like cereals, candies, frozen desserts, and beverages.
• Butterfly Pea Flower Extract: Already permitted in drinks and juices, this vivid blue-purple dye has now been cleared for use in snacks such as chips, crackers, and breakfast cereals.
• Calcium Phosphate: A white pigment now authorized for use in items like chicken products and confectionery, helping enhance appearance without relying on synthetic alternatives.

This move is part of a broader initiative led by the FDA and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to eliminate artificial food dyes commonly found in everyday products. Among the dyes being targeted for removal are FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow Nos. 5 and 6, Blue Nos. 1 and 2, and Green No. 3—many of which have drawn scrutiny over potential health concerns.

Consumer demand for simpler, more natural ingredient lists has been a major driver behind this shift. Natural dyes, while often more expensive and less stable than synthetic options, offer a safer and cleaner alternative for food manufacturers seeking to meet evolving health standards and market expectations.

The FDA’s latest approvals give the industry more tools to reformulate products and comply with upcoming regulations aimed at improving food quality and transparency nationwide.

Read more here- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-three-food-colors-natural-sources