What are natural colors also called?

Natural Colors

Also Known As:

Natural colors are also commonly referred to as 'food colors' or 'color additives' that are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, or animals. In certain regions, such as the European Union, they may be labeled as 'colouring foodstuffs'.

Description:

Natural colors, as opposed to synthetic or artificial colors, are obtained from a wide range of sources including fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other edible raw materials. They are often perceived as healthier alternatives to artificial colors and are used to enhance the visual appeal of various food products, beverages, and cosmetics.

Some commonly used natural colors come from sources such as:

• Beetroot (reds and pinks)
• Carotenoids from carrots or tomatoes (oranges)
• Chlorophyll from green plants (greens)
• Anthocyanins from berries (reds, blues, purples)
• Turmeric (yellows)
• Paprika (reds and oranges)

Advantages:

• Perceived as safer and healthier by consumers.
• Eco-friendly as they come from renewable sources.
• Can have additional health benefits, providing antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Challenges:

• May impart variable color shades due to natural variations in the raw materials.
• Can be less stable under varying temperature, light, and pH conditions.
• Typically have a lower tinting strength compared to synthetic colorants, requiring larger quantities for the same color effect.

Regulatory Aspects:

Natural colors are subject to strict regulations that vary by country and region. Generally, the use of any color additive in foods, drugs, and cosmetics is regulated to ensure consumer safety. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval and use of natural colors, while in the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) performs a similar function.