Ingredients in Focus: Food colorings

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As processed and packaged foods has expanded, so has the demand for food colors. 

The market for food colorings is projected to reach $6 billion by 2028, from $4.6 billion in 2023 and growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% from 2023 to 2028, according to a recent MarketsandMarkets Research report sent to Food Dive.

During food processing practices, both thermal and non-thermal techniques are used which can affect the natural color of food items due to factors such as temperature, moisture and pH levels. As a result, the need for food colors has grown, the report said.

The rise of cooking content on social media sites has also caused an increase of consumers wanting unique, bold aesthetics in their foods.

The need to enhance product appeal has become a key factor in driving the food colors market growth, the report said. 

“Color is a vital tool for manufacturers as visually appealing products attract ever more consumers. Similarly, vibrant and colorful foods also excite children and promote eating,” the report said.

A recent study conducted by the International Food Information Council also found that 64% of consumers give appearance a high priority when making purchases. And in order to meet consumer expectations and differentiate themselves in a crowded market, manufacturers need to innovate with food colors due to the emphasis placed on visual appeal.

Just as consumers are looking for more visually appealing food, they are also seeking out food that is better for them. 

California on Monday became the first state in the U.S. to prohibit school cafeterias from serving foods that contain six artificial dyes tied to health and behavioral problems.

Assembly Bill 2316, also known as the California School Food Safety Act, outlaws Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 from the meals, drinks and snacks served at public schools statewide.

Companies such as California Natural Colors is a supplier of natural ingredients to major consumer product companies and uses natural liquid and crystal colors for different food, beverage and nutraceutical applications. 

A lot of the coloring ingredients California Natural Colors offers are anthocyanin-based, a class of natural compounds that are commonly found in fruits and vegetables. These delicate ingredients are sensitive to food and beverage products that have a more acidic pH. 

IFC Solutions and ADM are other companies in the space, among others, that produce similar products for food and beverage companies.