US health regulators approve a new natural blue food dye

US health regulators have approved a new blue color additive for food, derived from gardenia flowers. This means food manufacturers can now use a natural blue dye that does not require special certification.

For decades, natural blue food dyes have been rare and difficult to produce, limiting options for food manufacturers. This new approval adds a stable, naturally-derived blue to the palette of available food colors. It could lead to more naturally-colored foods on shelves, especially in categories like candy, baked goods, and beverages.