Colorant Additives
62 FDA-listed colorant substances — safety ratings, regulatory status, adverse event data.
Showing 1–24 of 62 colorant additives
Allspice (pimenta Officinalis Lindl.)
ColorantAllspice (pimenta officinalis Lindl.) is a natural spice derived from the dried berries of the allspice tree, native to the Caribbean and Central America. It functions as both a flavoring agent and colorant in food products, providing a characteristic warm, complex flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Ammonium Sulfite
ColorantAmmonium sulfite (CAS 10196-04-0) is an inorganic salt compound used as a color or coloring adjunct in food products. It functions to preserve or modify the appearance of foods, though its use in the United States is not approved by the FDA.
Annatto, Extract (bixa Orellana L.)
ColorantAnnatto extract is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote plant (Bixa orellana L.), used primarily to impart yellow, orange, and red hues to foods. It functions as both a coloring agent and flavoring adjuvant in various food products, with no reported adverse events or recalls in FDA databases.
Astaxanthin
ColorantAstaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that imparts red and pink coloring to foods. It is used as a food colorant in various products, though it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA in the United States.
Benzoyl Peroxide
ColorantBenzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound used as a flour treating agent and colorant in food production. It works by bleaching and maturing flour, improving its baking properties and appearance while being gradually broken down during processing.
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal
ColorantBeta-apo-8'-carotenal is a synthetic carotenoid colorant derived from beta-carotene, used to impart yellow to orange hues in food products. It functions as a color additive in various processed foods and beverages.
Beta-caryophyllene
ColorantBeta-caryophyllene is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene compound found in black pepper, hops, and cannabis plants. It is used in food as a flavoring agent and has been explored for potential coloring applications, though it is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Camphene
ColorantCamphene is a bicyclic monoterpene compound derived from natural sources like turpentine and camphor oil. It is used in food as a flavoring agent and has been investigated for potential coloring applications, though it is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Camphor, Japanese, White, Oil (cinnamomum Camphora (l.) Nees Et Eberm.)
ColorantJapanese white camphor oil is a volatile essential oil derived from the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) traditionally used as a flavoring agent and color adjunct in food products. While it has culinary applications in Asian cuisine, it is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA under GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status.
Cananga, Oil (cananga Odorata Hook. F. And Thoms.)
ColorantCananga oil is a natural essential oil derived from the flowers of Cananga odorata, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is used in food as a flavoring agent and coloring adjunct, though it is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Canthaxanthin
ColorantCanthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment used as a food colorant to impart red-orange hues to various food products. It is not approved by the FDA as a food additive but is permitted in certain applications in other regulatory jurisdictions.
Capsicum (capsicum Spp.)
ColorantCapsicum is a natural colorant derived from red pepper plants (Capsicum species) that provides red to orange hues in food products. It functions as both a color additive and flavor enhancer, approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA with no reported adverse events or recalls.
Capsicum, Oleoresin (capsicum Spp.)
ColorantCapsicum oleoresin is a natural extract from capsicum peppers (Capsicum spp.) used as a colorant and flavoring agent in foods. It provides red to orange coloring and peppery flavor notes derived from the pepper fruit and is commonly found in seasonings, sauces, and processed foods.
Carmine (coccus Cacti L.)
ColorantCarmine is a natural red colorant derived from the cochineal insect (Coccus cacti L.), primarily used to impart red and pink hues to food and beverages. It has been used for centuries as a traditional dye and remains a common food colorant in many countries.
Carrot, Oil (daucus Carota L.)
ColorantCarrot oil is a natural extract derived from carrot seeds (Daucus carota L.) that serves as a colorant and flavoring agent in food products. It imparts orange/yellow hues and subtle carrot flavor to foods without synthetic additives.
Cascara, Bitterless, Extract (rhamnus Purshiana Dc.)
ColorantCascara, Bitterless, Extract is a natural colorant derived from the bark of the Rhamnus purshiana (cascara sagrada) plant. It is used in food manufacturing as a coloring agent and flavoring adjuvant to impart brown to dark brown hues and enhance flavor profiles in various food products.
Catechu, Black, Powder (acacia Catechu Willd.)
ColorantBlack Catechu Powder is a natural colorant derived from the acacia catechu tree, traditionally used in food and beverage applications. It functions as both a coloring agent and flavor enhancer, providing brown to black pigmentation to various food products.
Celery Seed (apium Graveolens L.)
ColorantCelery seed (Apium graveolens L.) is a natural plant-derived ingredient obtained from the seeds of the celery plant. It functions as both a colorant and flavoring agent in food products, providing a distinctive savory taste and subtle greenish hue to various culinary applications.
Chicory, Extract (cichorium Intybus L.)
ColorantChicory, Extract (Cichorium Intybus L.) is a natural food ingredient derived from the chicory plant, primarily utilized for its coloring and flavoring properties in various food products. It functions as a color or coloring adjunct, imparting natural hues, and also serves as a flavor enhancer or flavoring agent, contributing a distinctive earthy or slightly bitter profile. This extract from a commonly consumed plant is used to enhance the sensory appeal of foods and beverages.
Cochineal Extract (coccus Cacti L.)
ColorantCochineal extract is a natural red colorant derived from the cochineal insect (Coccus cacti L.), traditionally used for centuries to produce carmine dye. It functions as a food colorant and flavoring adjuvant in various processed foods and beverages to achieve red, pink, and purple hues.
Cottonseed Flour, Partially Defatted, Cooked, Toasted
ColorantCottonseed flour, partially defatted, cooked, and toasted is a plant-derived ingredient produced from cottonseed that has undergone processing to remove oils and heat treatment. It functions as a coloring adjunct and processing aid in food manufacturing, contributing to product appearance and texture.
D-camphor
ColorantD-camphor is a naturally derived organic compound used in food as a flavoring agent, flavor enhancer, and coloring adjunct. While it has culinary applications in certain food products, it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA and remains restricted in many food applications.
Dehydrated Beets
ColorantDehydrated beets are a natural colorant derived from concentrated beet juice or dried beetroot material, used primarily to impart red and purple hues to food products. As a plant-based coloring agent, dehydrated beets also contribute subtle flavor notes and are employed as a flavoring adjuvant in various food applications.
Ethyl Acetate
ColorantEthyl acetate is a volatile organic compound commonly used as a solvent and flavoring agent in food manufacturing. It functions to dissolve and extract flavoring compounds, and may contribute coloring properties in certain food applications.
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