Food Additive Database
128 FDA-listed substances — safety ratings, regulatory status, adverse event data.
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.
Alpha-terpineol
ColorantAlpha-terpineol is a naturally occurring organic compound derived from essential oils, primarily used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in food and beverages. It is not currently approved by the FDA as a food additive, though it appears in some food products as a natural flavoring ingredient.
Aluminum Hydroxide
ColorantAluminum hydroxide (CAS 21645-51-2) is an inorganic compound used in food as a colorant and processing aid. It functions as a color adjunct to stabilize or modify the appearance of food products in specific regulated applications.
Aluminum Sulfate
ColorantAluminum sulfate (alum) is a multipurpose food additive used as a firming agent, pH control agent, and processing aid in various food products. While not GRAS-designated by the FDA, it has been used in food processing for decades with no reported adverse events in the FDA database.
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.
Annatto, Seed (bixa Orellana L.)
ColorantAnnatto seed is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the bixa orellana plant, primarily used to impart yellow, orange, and red hues to food products. It functions as both a coloring agent and flavor enhancer in various food applications.
Ascorbic Acid
ColorantAscorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble organic compound used in food production as an antioxidant, preservative, and nutrient supplement. It prevents oxidation and spoilage while enhancing flavor and nutritional value across a wide range of food products.
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-carotene
ColorantBeta-carotene is a naturally occurring orange pigment and precursor to vitamin A found in plants. It is used in foods as a colorant, nutrient supplement, and antioxidant, and is recognized as safe by the FDA with no reported adverse events or recalls.
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.
Butterfly Pea Flower Extract
ColorantButterfly pea flower extract is a natural colorant derived from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea, a tropical plant. It produces vibrant blue and purple hues in beverages and foods and is used as an alternative to synthetic dyes.
Calcium Acetate
ColorantCalcium acetate (CAS 62-54-4) is a calcium salt of acetic acid used in food processing as a firming agent, pH control agent, and stabilizer. It serves multiple technological functions including texturizing, sequestering, and acting as a processing aid in various food applications.
Calcium Carbonate
ColorantCalcium carbonate (CAS 471-34-1) is a naturally occurring mineral compound commonly used in food as an anticaking agent, leavening agent, and nutrient supplement. It serves multiple functions including pH control, moisture regulation, and as a source of dietary calcium in fortified foods.
Calcium Caseinate
ColorantCalcium caseinate is a milk-derived protein product made by precipitating casein (milk protein) with calcium. It serves multiple functions in food manufacturing including as a stabilizer, thickener, texturizer, and nutrient fortification ingredient, with no reported adverse events or recalls.
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.
Caramel
ColorantCaramel (CAS 8028-89-5) is a dark brown colorant produced by heating sugars, used primarily to impart color and flavor to food and beverages. It functions as a colorant, flavoring agent, and sweetener in a wide range of commercial food products including soft drinks, sauces, and baked goods.
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