Types of Food Coloring Agents
Types of Food Coloring Agents Natural Colorants : Plant-based : Derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants (e.g., beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow). Animal-based : Includes cochineal (carmine) from insects, often used for red. Synthetic Colorants : Artificial Dyes : Created through chemical processes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5). Lake Colors : These are dye salts used in products that contain fats and oils. Common Food Coloring Agents Beet Red (Beet Juice Extract) : Used for red/pink hues. Carotenoids : Found in carrots and tomatoes, used for yellow/orange colors. Annatto : Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used for yellow/orange. Spirulina : A blue-green algae used for blue coloring. Titanium Dioxide : A white pigment often used in dairy products and sauces. Regulatory Aspects Approval : In many countries, food colorants must be approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EFSA in Europe). Labeling : Products containing synthetic dyes must list these on in...