FDA Approves Three New Natural Food Colors, Marking a Major Shift Away From Petroleum-Based Dyes

Washington, D.C. — In a landmark move for public health and food transparency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new natural color additives for use in food, signaling the beginning of the end for petroleum-based food dyes used in the American food system.

The announcement comes as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s initiative to Make America Healthy Again, prioritizing the phase-out of synthetic dyes in favor of cleaner, plant-based alternatives.

“For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks. We’re removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives—to protect families and support healthier choices.” - HHS Secretary Kennedy

Why This Matters: The Problem With Petroleum-Based Dyes

Synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have long been under scrutiny for potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and other health concerns. While still technically "FDA approved", many countries have banned or restricted them.

But change is finally here for the American People.

The Newly Approved Natural Alternatives

1. Galdieria Extract Blue

Derived from red algae (Galdieria Sulphuraria), this plant-based blue is now approved for a wide range of food products from fruit juices, fruit and milk-based smoothies, veggie juices, and dairy drinks to frozen desserts, milk-based meal replacements, liquid creamers, candies, puddings, and whipped toppings. The petition was submitted by a France-based company, Fermentalg.

2. Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

A blue color already loved in natural wellness circles for its antioxidant-rich properties and stunning color shifts, butterfly pea flower extract has now expanded FDA approval for cereals, chips, crackers, and snacks. U.S.-based Sensient Colors LLC filed this successful petition. This extract can achieve a range of shades of bright blues, purple, and greens.

3. Calcium Phosphate

Approved as white food coloring, this mineral-based compound can be used in chicken products, sugar coatings on doughnuts and candy, and white candy melts. Submitted by Innophos Inc., the additive is already used in many calcium-fortified foods.

Unsplash x Franki Chamaki

So, What's Next?

Following the U.S. HHS' April press conference, many major food manufacturers have already pledged to remove synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. And with the FDA's commitment to fast-tracking safe, natural alternatives, more plant-powered colors are expected to hit the market soon.

“On April 22, I said the FDA would soon approve several new color additives and would accelerate our review of others. I’m pleased to report that promises made, have been promises kept. FDA staff have been moving quickly to expedite the publication of these decisions, underscoring our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based dyes in the food supply and provide new colors from natural sources.” - FDA Commissioner Makary

What You Should Watch For

While ingredient labels are still catching up, keep an eye out for food brands promoting "no artificial dyes" or using terms like butterfly pea, spirulina, or beet juice for coloring. This isn't just about the aesthetics of our food, it's a cultural and nutritional pivot toward a cleaner, healthier eating.

Until labels reflect ingredient modifications, it is recommended to continue to avoid buying dyed foods and lean more towards fresh and organic foods whenever possible.

What do you think about this move in the first 100 days of this new administration?