The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new food colours derived from natural sources. This move supports the agency’s plan to phase out synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply.
The announcement is part of a broader effort by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FDA to promote safer, healthier food ingredients. In April 2025, the agencies committed to removing synthetic food dyes by the end of next year. Since then, more food manufacturers have pledged to eliminate these dyes within the deadline.
“For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “We’re removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives to protect families and support healthier choices.”
Three New Natural Food Colours Approved
The FDA has now approved the following three colour additives:
Galdieria Extract Blue
Derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria, this blue colour can be used in a wide range of products. These include beverages, smoothies, dairy products, candies, frozen desserts, cereals, frostings, puddings, whipped toppings, and more. The colour additive petition was submitted by French biotechnology company Fermentalg.
Butterfly Pea Flower Extract
Made by extracting pigments from dried butterfly pea flowers, this natural blue can produce shades of bright blue, purple, and green. It was previously approved for use in drinks, dairy products, gums, candies, nuts, ice cream, and yoghurt. The latest approval, following a petition by Sensient Colors LLC, expands its use to cereals, crackers, snack mixes, chips, and pretzels.
Calcium Phosphate
Approved as a white colouring agent, calcium phosphate can now be used in ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and coated candies. The petition was filed by Innophos Inc., based in Cranbury, New Jersey.
Once a colour additive is approved by the FDA, any manufacturer can use it for the permitted purposes in the US food market.
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