How cutting artificial food dyes could transform the food industry
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Eliminating artificial food dyes from products could lead to major shifts in how foods are formulated, priced, and labeled. These synthetic additives, often used to enhance visual appeal, have faced growing scrutiny over potential health concerns, particularly in children. Although there are more than 40 natural colorant options, they often can't match the brightness or consistency of synthetic dyes. Natural dyes may also be less stable over time, which can impact shelf life and appearance. As a result, products using natural alternatives can be more costly to produce.
Source
Novais C, Molina AK, Abreu RMV, Santo-Buelga C, Ferreira ICFR, Pereira C, Barros L. Natural Food Colorants and Preservatives: A Review, a Demand, and a Challenge. J Agric Food Chem. 2022 Mar 9;70(9):2789-2805. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c07533. Epub 2022 Feb 24. PMID: 35201759; PMCID: PMC9776543.
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/30/health/natural-food-dyes-artificial-bans-wellness