The FDA has officially approved three new natural color additives for food use, expanding the list of options manufacturers can use to replace synthetic dyes. This comes just weeks after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined plans to phase out petroleum-based colors. The newly approved additives include galdieria extract blue from red algae, butterfly pea flower extract for vibrant blue and purple hues, and calcium phosphate as a white pigment for use in select snacks and confectionery.
Galdieria extract blue has been cleared for a wide range of products, including beverages, candies, ice cream, and dairy-based items. Butterfly pea flower, already in use across several drink formats, can now be used in dry snacks like chips and cereals. Calcium phosphate’s approval covers its use in coatings and sugar applications. Each of these has been assessed for safety and approved following a full review of exposure levels, toxicology, and existing literature under the FDA’s regulatory process.
The move aligns with commitments made by both the FDA and HHS to move quickly on approving natural color alternatives and get behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s campaign to “Make America Healthy Again”. The wider range of natural coloring options will help ease the industry’s shift away from synthetic, artificial dyes and support a more transparent ingredient landscape in sports nutrition, functional beverages, and general food production throughout the market here in the US.
