Food Additive Database
62 FDA-listed substances — safety ratings, regulatory status, adverse event data.
Mica
ColorantMica (CAS 12001-26-2) is a naturally occurring silicate mineral used as a colorant and coloring adjunct in food products. It provides shimmer and metallic effects to foods and beverages, though its use in the United States is not formally approved by the FDA as a food additive.
Monoglycerides, Acetylated
ColorantAcetylated monoglycerides are modified fat-derived emulsifiers created by chemically treating monoglycerides with acetic anhydride. They function as multi-purpose food additives with primary roles in emulsification, anticaking, and drying applications across various food products.
Mustard Flour
ColorantMustard flour is a finely ground powder derived from mustard seeds, used in food manufacturing as a natural colorant, flavoring agent, and texture modifier. It serves multiple functions in processed foods while providing characteristic mustard flavor and color enhancement.
Nitrates, Sodium & Potassium
ColorantSodium and potassium nitrates are inorganic salts used primarily as antimicrobial agents and color fixatives in cured meat products. These additives prevent bacterial growth and develop the characteristic pink color in processed meats like bacon, ham, and deli products.
Nitrites, Sodium & Potassium
ColorantSodium and potassium nitrites are antimicrobial preservatives commonly used in cured meat products to prevent bacterial growth and maintain color. These additives function primarily as preservatives while also contributing to the characteristic pink color and flavor of processed meats.
Orange B
ColorantOrange B (CAS 15139-76-1) is a synthetic azo dye used as a food colorant to impart orange hues to food products. It was historically used in limited applications but has been largely phased out in most markets due to regulatory restrictions.
Orange Peel
ColorantOrange peel is a natural colorant and flavoring agent derived from citrus fruit that provides orange hue and citrus flavor to food products. It functions as a color adjunct, flavoring agent, and texturizer in various food applications.
Paprika (capsicum Annuum L.)
ColorantPaprika is a natural colorant derived from capsicum annuum peppers, approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). It functions primarily as a color additive while also contributing flavor, and is widely used in processed foods, meats, and seasonings.
Paprika Oleoresin (capsicum Annuum L.)
ColorantPaprika Oleoresin is a natural extract derived from red peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) that provides red-orange color and mild flavor to food products. It is used as a colorant and flavoring agent in various processed foods, seasonings, and meat products.
Parsley (petroselinum Spp.)
ColorantParsley (Petroselinum spp.) is a naturally derived colorant and flavoring agent extracted from the common culinary herb. It functions as a color adjunct, flavoring agent, and processing aid in food applications, providing green coloration while contributing subtle herbaceous notes to food products.
Pepper, Black (piper Nigrum L.)
ColorantBlack pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a natural spice derived from peppercorn berries, recognized by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). It functions as a colorant, flavoring agent, processing aid, and surface-finishing agent in food products.
Peppermint, Oil (mentha Piperita L.)
ColorantPeppermint oil (Mentha piperita L.) is a volatile essential oil extracted from peppermint plants, used in food as a flavoring agent and coloring adjunct. It imparts characteristic minty flavor and aroma to beverages, confections, and other food products.
Phaffia Yeast
ColorantPhaffia yeast is a naturally-derived microorganism used as a food colorant to produce red and pink hues in food products. It works by accumulating astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, which provides the coloring effect without synthetic dyes.
Titanium Dioxide
ColorantTitanium dioxide (E171) is a white pigment used as a food colorant in candies, chewing gum, coffee creamer, and sauces. It was banned by the European Union in August 2022 after EFSA concluded it could not rule out genotoxicity concerns. It remains FDA-approved in the United States.
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