Many consumers today are searching for dye-free alternatives as synthetic food coloring may affect children’s behavior. Studies have also demonstrated this connection.
Choice of whole ingredients and preparation of more of your own food are ways to minimize exposure to artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Thorne is proud to use only natural colorings in its beverages.
1. It’s not good for you
Step one to going dye-free is eliminating foods and drinks containing artificial coloring, such as fresh produce. Also, most whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds do not contain food dyes either.
Artificial dyes (also known as FD&C colors) are made from petroleum-based chemicals that have been linked with cancer, hyperactivity, and allergies. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), just three synthetic dyes may cause an allergic reaction in children.
Tartrazine (yellow 5), is one of the worst artificial colors and can cause severe allergic reactions such as hives, itching and lip swelling. Luckily, many products now provide natural dye alternatives such as purple sweet potato juice, kale, blueberries and spinach; mica, titanium dioxide or iron oxides which are all found naturally and safe for use are other viable solutions.
2. It’s not good for the environment
Artificial dyes are manufactured using chemicals, are non-biodegradable, contain carcinogenic impurities, cause hypersensitivity reactions or behavioral issues, and may pose health risks to consumers.
Studies have linked artificial food colorings with increased ADHD symptoms among children. Although their precise mechanisms remain unknown, these chemicals have been shown to impact brain function and increase excitability in both children and adults alike.
As it happens, there are numerous ways to avoid artificial colors – starting with real foods! Dairy products like milk and yogurt naturally lack artificial dyes; most unprocessed meats and seafood (though farm raised fish has been known to contain dye injections). Fresh fruit, vegetables and plain popcorn also typically don’t contain artificial colors.
Other foods, like beetle juice and annatto extract (used to color red cheese), contain naturally-occurring synthetic coloring agents. While they must meet strict safety standards in order to be used as food colorant additives, it’s still wise to read labels carefully and consider switching brands that use natural coloring agents like beta-carotene, chlorophyll, iron oxides or mica for their products.
3. It’s not good for your kids
Food manufacturers increasingly rely on synthetic dyes as part of their ingredients list, making it hard to locate products free from artificial colors like Yellow 5, Red 40 and Blue 1 that may contain artificial coloring agents. Artificial colors can be found everywhere from candy and sodas to cereals and gelatin desserts containing them.
Studies have linked food dyes with ADHD symptoms in children. Parents frequently report their kids becoming hyperactive and inattentive after eating foods containing these dyes.
Studies have established a connection between food additives and asthma, obesity, allergies and cancer. Thankfully, natural food dyes such as annatto and carmine (made by crushing up cochineal bugs) provide safe alternatives without the harmful health implications.
4. It’s not good for your wallet
Food and beverage industries use artificial colorings to make their products look more appetizing, appealing and fun for children. Unfortunately, however, these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and neurotoxicity among kids.
Foods, drinks, and supplements should ideally avoid artificial ingredients. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt typically do not contain artificial dyes, while fresh fruit and raw vegetables are generally safe from artificial colorings. Eggs from pasture raised animals, plain popcorn and nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews or pistachios may also make good options.
Food-grade artificial dyes commonly found in food and beverages include FD&C Red Dye No 3 (Red Dye 40), Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These artificial hues have been linked with hyperactivity, neurotoxicity and allergies and can be found in candy, breakfast cereals, baked goods, soda beverages and beverages, gelatin desserts as well as meat products like hot dogs or sausage casings.
