Home Food Colors in the Clean-label Era

Not just about color, it’s about credibility 

Food colorants are going thrugh some changes. Regulatory crackdowns, new consumer expectations, and ESG mandates are accelerating the transition from synthetic dyes to natural pigments> This is placing food and ingredient companies under growing pressure to act. 

What’s happening? 

Synthetic pigments are rapidly losing ground amid tough global regulations and rising demand for transparency and clean-label. 

  • FDA revoked Red No. 3 in 2025; phase-out of Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B underway 
  • Full phase-out of petroleum-based synthetic food dyes in the US expected by 2026 
  • 75% of global consumers are willing to pay more for clean-label, artificial color-free products 

The Challenge 

While the shift to natural pigments aligns with clean-label demand and unlocks new value, it introduces formulation trade-offs – including stability, color consistency, off-notes, and supply variability that can compromise product quality, brand trust, and scalability if not addressed strategically. 

 Our latest report explores: 

  • Vulnerability Mapping: Identify synthetic pigments at risk, with a focus on urgent reformulation priorities in the red color spectrum 
  • Red Pigment Deep Dive: Benchmark natural alternatives on CLEAR Framework encompassing cost, efficacy, sensory impact, applications, and purity & scalability 
  • Technology Landscape: Explore critical innovation stages – from identification and extraction to delivery and stabilization 
  • Strategic Action Zones: A four-quadrant framework to prioritize immediate actions, scenario planning, and optimization opportunities 
  • Executive Imperatives: R&D, procurement, and marketing priorities to de-risk transitions and strengthen clean-label positioning
  FutureBridge Natural Food Colors

Download our report for strategic insights into future-ready food color innovation. 

Book a meeting with our food and nutrition strategists to explore how FutureBridge can help de-risk your innovation pipeline, align with evolving regulatory and consumer dynamics, and future-proof your clean-label pipeline. 

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Our long-standing clients include some of the worlds leading brands and forward-thinking corporations.