Tag: Natural colorants

In a significant shift for the food industry, the FDA announced in 2025 that it is phasing out Yellow 5 and other petroleum-based food dyes from the US food supply. This decision responds to increasing public and scientific concerns over potential health impacts associated with these synthetic colorants.

Following a 2022 ban in the European Union, the presence of titanium dioxide (E171) in many food products, including confectionery, has changed significantly. The answer to 'Does Haribo have titanium dioxide?' is now nuanced, depending on the product and, most importantly, the country where it is purchased.

According to research from various consumer groups, a significant number of consumers prioritize avoiding artificial additives, including synthetic dyes, in their beverages. This growing awareness has led many to question the contents of popular drinks like Prime Hydration and Prime Energy, asking specifically if they contain dyes.

The FDA's decision to ban Red Dye 3 from food, effective January 2025, underscores the importance of knowing what's in our food. This guide provides practical steps for identifying both synthetic and natural red dyes in the products you consume daily.

While some Haribo candies in North America contain artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, versions made in Germany and Canada often use natural colorants from fruits and plants. The use of dyes in Haribo candy is not universal, which can be a point of confusion for many consumers.

According to the official BUBS brand, their candy is completely free of gelatin, palm oil, and artificial dyes. For health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions, this commitment to natural colorants is a significant point of difference for BUBS candy. The brand achieves its vibrant colors using natural sources like black carrot concentrate and curcumin, a sharp contrast to the synthetic dyes common in many other confectioneries.

According to several studies, the vibrant red-purple flesh of certain dragon fruit varieties contains high levels of betacyanin. This powerful antioxidant is a water-soluble pigment responsible for the fruit’s striking color and offers a range of potential health benefits.

Betaxanthins are a class of yellow-to-orange pigments, and contrary to popular belief, red beetroots contain not only red betacyanins but also notable amounts of yellow betaxanthins. These water-soluble compounds, known for their antioxidant properties, exist in a specific group of plants within the order Caryophyllales and in certain fungi. Understanding the diverse origins of betaxanthin helps in appreciating its nutritional and industrial importance.

According to product ingredient lists, the reddish color in most strawberry Mentos products does not come from artificial red dye like Red 40, but rather from a natural colorant derived from beets. Consumers often question the source of the vibrant color in their favorite candies, and the answer for strawberry Mentos is a naturally sourced ingredient. This makes it a popular alternative for those looking to avoid synthetic colorings.

In 2012, after consumer complaints, the brand Starbucks famously removed carmine, a red dye derived from cochineal insects, from some products. In the world of supplements and food manufacturing, similar questions arise, with many health-conscious consumers asking, "Does Nature Made use dyes?" This inquiry extends beyond the specific brand to a broader concern about what colorants are used in the products we consume and their source.