Begin your reformulation now

Transition from Artificial Dyes to Natural Colors with Confidence

Request a Consultation →

🌿 Ready to Ditch Artificial Colors?

See the natural alternatives that actually work.

Our expert The Flavor Guy shows you exactly how turmeric, annatto, spirulina, and hibiscus can replace synthetic dyes – without compromising taste or quality. Start your reformulation today!
Request a free consultation →

FDA Synthetic Dye Phase-Out by 2026: Compliance Guide

Your Guide to FDA-Compliant Natural Food Coloring Alternatives

Download the guide

What should I replace my artificial colors with?

Purchase trial sizes of our natural color alternatives to Red Dye 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Our naturally-derived coloring work seamlessly in food manufacturing, cosmetics, and baking formulations. Get the clean-label colors you need to reformulate with confidence.

Red 40 Natural Alternatives

Shop Red

Yellow 5 & 6 Natural Alternatives

Shop Yellow

Blue 1 & 2 Natural Alternatives

Shop Blue

Shop All Natural Food Coloring

Shop All

Ready-to-Use Natural Colors

Instead of combining or mixing colors, we have natural green food coloring, natural purple food coloring, and orange food coloring available that require no blending, giving you the flexibility to achieve Orange, Green, and Purple hues with convenient pre-made natural colorants for consistent results​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Steps for Transitioning from Artificial Dyes to Natural Food Coloring

To transition away from synthetic dyes:

1

Test natural colors in your specific applications

2

Evaluate performance under pH, light, and heat conditions

3

Conduct sensory testing for consumer feedback

4

Source stable, compliant pigments

5

Update labeling for transparency

6

Budget for reformulation and testing

7

Monitor FDA updates on color additive approvals
Expert R&D support available. Replace artificial colors naturally.
Request a free consultation →

Natural food colorants are increasingly effective replacements for synthetic dyes. With proper formulation and testing, they can meet clean label goals without sacrificing appeal or functionality.

Formulation Tips for Success

Blending

Combine colorants to achieve desired hues: Red + Yellow = Orange, Blue + Yellow = Green, Red + Blue = Purple. Or use natural green food coloring (made from plants and vegetables), natural purple food coloring (made from purple carrot), and orange food coloring (made from Annatto Seed) available that require no blending, for consistent results without the additional step of mixing

pH Optimization

Adjust formulas to enhance color intensity and stability (e.g., keep anthocyanins in acidic pH).

Microencapsulation

Use encapsulated forms to protect sensitive pigments from oxygen, heat, or moisture and ensure color uniformity.

Implementation Considerations for Food Manufacturers

The technical considerations are real - natural colors can be sensitive to heat, pH, and light. However, manufacturers can begin conducting targeted testing and reformulation to achieve optimal results for their specific applications.

Natural Color Performance

Natural colors are sensitive to:

  • pH: Anthocyanins and butterfly pea change hue with acidity
  • Heat: Beet and spirulina degrade with heat
  • Light/Oxidation: Turmeric, beta-carotene, and paprika fade with exposure

Heat & Light Stability

Some natural colorants require protection from heat, pH extremes, or light in applications like dairy or frozen confections. Formulators should evaluate stability based on process conditions (e.g., pasteurization, emulsification, cold-fill).

Cost and Reformulation

Natural colors may require higher usage levels, encapsulation, and pH adjustment. Reformulation costs include sourcing, shelf life testing, and stability optimization.

Consumer Education

Educate consumers that natural colors may vary slightly in hue and intensity across batches. Highlight benefits like nutritional value and recognizable ingredients.

About Nature's Flavors

Nature's Flavors has been developing natural and organic food coloring for over 45 years. Our all-natural and organic colorants are crafted from premium botanicals including beets, turmeric root, annatto seeds, purple carrot, hibiscus flowers, offering manufacturers and consumers established alternatives that meet both upcoming compliance requirements and growing demand for cleaner ingredients.

Explore natural and organic replacement colors →

Your Partner in Reformulating

You don't have to find manufacturing solutions alone. If you're a food or beverage manufacturer looking to reformulate with natural colors and flavors, our expert R&D team is ready to help. We're currently offering free R&D consultations to help you replace artificial colors with natural solutions that maintain your product's taste, appearance, and shelf stability as close as possible.