Exploring the Transition to Natural Food Dyes
Editor’s note: This story highlights takeaways from an Oct. 15 event hosted by Food Dive and Packaging Dive. Register here to watch the replay on demand.
Switching from artificial dyes to natural dyes is a complex process that involves changes across company operations and supply chains. The Food and Drug Administration is urging food companies to remove artificial colors voluntarily by the end of next year. With states starting to enforce bans on synthetic dyes, the transition to natural dyes has become more urgent.
During The Future of Food & Packaging Innovation event, experts emphasized that simply replacing artificial dyes with natural ones is not enough. Natural dyes react differently in food and beverages, often requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect as synthetic dyes.
Companies looking to transition to natural dyes should conduct a portfolio review to identify products to prioritize. Collaboration with suppliers is crucial to understand options and potential challenges.
Technology advancements and regulatory approvals have made the switch to natural dyes easier compared to a decade ago. While challenges exist, natural dyes can enhance a product’s health halo, especially as consumers increasingly seek clean-label products.
Can Natural Dyes Enhance Health and Wellness?
Natural dyes offer manufacturers the opportunity to customize products in terms of color spectrum and potential health benefits. However, the lack of research on how these dyes interact with the human body poses challenges. Careful consideration is needed to ensure that toxicity levels are not exceeded.
Using natural dyes can potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For example, anthocyanin, a pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can be used to improve the health profile of products.
While natural dyes hold promise for enhancing product health profiles, regulations and scientific understanding need to catch up. With the right approach, natural colors can offer both visual appeal and health benefits to consumers.