US health regulators approve a new blue food dye made from gardenias

US health regulators have confirmed the effective date for a new blue color additive derived from gardenias. This means food and drink manufacturers can now use "gardenia (genipin) blue" in products like sports drinks, fruit juices, teas, and candies.

For decades, food manufacturers have struggled to find natural blue dyes that are stable and vibrant. The options were limited, often leading to less appealing colors or reliance on synthetic alternatives. This new approval expands the palette for natural food coloring, giving companies a plant-based option for a color that has historically been difficult to achieve naturally.