What is food coloring?

Food coloring refers to compounds that are used to change the color of food. Food coloring can be natural or artificial and can be found in many food products such as sweets, chocolate, dairy products, and ready meals. One of the main characteristics of foods is color, which are factors that determine the quality of foods. Food coloring is available in different types of liquid, powder, gel, and paste. Food coloring or food coloring is added to foods with special purposes such as coloring, flavoring, sweetening, and shaping.

All kinds of food coloring

Food colors are divided into three categories, which we will explain about each of them below.

Natural food coloring

As the name suggests, natural food coloring has a natural origin. Natural food coloring is extracted from natural materials such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and animals.
Some of the most common natural food colors are:
• Anthocyanins: These are pigments found in red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables. Raspberries, grapes, blueberries, apples, and beets are examples of this type of fruit.
• Carotenoids: These pigments are found in many fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, and corn. When carotenoids enter the bloodstream, they increase the absorption of nutrients in the body. These pigments create yellow, orange, and red colors.
• Chlorophyll: Green or chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found in plants and creates a green color.

artificial food colors (tar)

Artificial food coloring is made from chemicals and is not found naturally in nature. Artificial colors are usually cheaper than natural food colors. Synthetic color is used in industries such as dyeing, the food industry, and pharmaceuticals. Some of the most common allowed synthetic colors used in Iran's food industry are:
• Sunset Yellow (orange)
• Brilliant Blue (blue)
Quinoline yellow
• Indigotine or indigocarmine (blue)
Ponceau (red)
Alvarado (red)
• Carmosin (red)
For example, red crimson dye is extracted from poppy insects. Carmosin color is used in most food products such as ice cream, jelly, and candy.

Application of food coloring

Food coloring is used to create or change the color of food. Food color also helps to improve the appearance of food and can also be used as an indicator of food quality.
Some of the uses of food coloring are:
• Creation of new colors in food products
• Creating an attractive appearance in food
• Enhancing the natural color of food

Introducing several commonly used food colors

Carmine food coloring

Carmine is in the category of natural edible color. This natural food color is used in some cosmetic products such as shampoos, and eye shadows. You can find this red color in most supermarket products such as candy, drinks, and ice creams. Carmine is produced by drying, crushing, and then boiling snail beetles to extract carminic acid.

Titanium dioxide food coloring

Titanium dioxide is a powdered food coloring. Its function is to create white color in food and medicine. It is resistant to light and heat and for this reason, it is used in food products. Titanium dioxide is used in a large number of food products such as sweets, chewing gum, and pastilles. It is also used in medicinal products such as toothpaste. They are also used in cosmetic products such as sunscreens.

Turmeric food coloring

This color is extracted from turmeric. Due to the creation of a bright yellow color, it is one of the main spices of pickles and one of the main cooking ingredients, especially in the Asian continent. Turmeric is used in some baked products such as sweets, chocolate, sauces, yellow cakes, popcorn, jelly, orange juice, and rani.

Safety tips for using food coloring

Food colorings are usually safe, but some people may be allergic to them. Also, some artificial food colors may be associated with some diseases or their consumption may cause problems for some people. If you are allergic to food coloring, you should avoid consuming food products that contain these colors. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before consuming foods containing food coloring.

Buy food coloring

These products have different prices according to the brand and the amount of the order. You can inquire about the updated food coloring prices from Farah Trading Group through the contact numbers on the contact page and place an order.

last word

As you read, food colors play an important role in the food industry. They can help improve the appearance of food, increase product sales, and even maintain food quality. However, it is important to know that food coloring can also be harmful. Therefore, when buying food products containing food coloring, read the labels carefully or consult your doctor if you have any concerns.