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Artificial coloring: Good Or Horrible?

Sophia Xu
Updated: August. 31, 2023 

Artificial coloring is the use of synthetic substances to give color to food, beverages, cosmetics, drugs, and other products. Artificial coloring has been used for centuries, but it became more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries with the development of petroleum-based dyes. Artificial coloring is often preferred over natural coloring because it produces more vibrant and stable colors, and it is cheaper and easier to produce.

However, artificial coloring has also been controversial because of its potential health effects. Some studies have suggested that artificial coloring may cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, cancer, and other problems in some people. However, the evidence is not conclusive and the regulatory agencies have different standards for approving and banning artificial coloring. Some artificial coloring is deemed safe in one country, but prohibited in another.

The following table summarizes some of the common artificial coloring used in food and their health concerns:

Artificial Coloring	Common Uses	Health Concerns
Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)	Candy, popsicles, cake-decorating gels	Possible thyroid tumors in rats 1
Red No. 40 (Allura Red)	Sports drinks, candy, condiments, cereals	Possible hyperactivity in children 1
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)	Candy, soft drinks, chips, popcorn, cereals	Allergic reactions, asthma, urticaria 12
Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow)	Candy, sauces, baked goods, preserved fruits	Possible hyperactivity in children 1
Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue)	Ice cream, canned peas, packaged soups, popsicles, icings	Possible allergic reactions 1
Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)	Pet food, beverages, candy	Possible brain tumors in rats 1
Green No. 3 (Fast Green)	Candy, beverages	Possible bladder and testes tumors in rats 1

If you want to avoid artificial coloring in your diet, you can look for products that use natural coloring from plant or animal sources, such as beta-carotene, carmine, beet extract, turmeric, or annatto. However, natural coloring may also have some drawbacks, such as lower color intensity, higher cost, or allergic reactions.

You can also check the ingredient list of the products you buy and look for the names or numbers of the artificial coloring. In the US, artificial coloring must be listed by name on the labels of food and drugs. In the EU, artificial coloring must be listed with E number on the label of food and cosmetics.

But compared to sugar which one is better. Artificial Sweeteners or normal sugarcane sugar ? The answer is not simple. It depends on many factors, such as your health goals, your personal preferences, and the type and amount of sweeteners you consume. Here are some points to consider:

• Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, so you need less of them to achieve the same level of sweetness. This can help you reduce your calorie intake and avoid weight gain. However, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may also affect your appetite, metabolism, and gut bacteria in ways that could increase your risk of obesity and diabetes12.
• Sugar alcohols are another type of sugar substitute that have fewer calories than sugar, but also less sweetness. They do not affect your blood sugar levels as much as sugar, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes. However, they can also cause digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially if you consume large amounts12.
• Natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, are often perceived as healthier than sugar because they contain some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, they are still high in calories and have similar effects on your blood sugar levels as sugar. They should be used sparingly and not as a substitute for sugar12.
• The bottom line is that no sweetener is perfect. All of them have pros and cons, and the best choice for you may depend on your individual needs and preferences. The general advice is to limit your intake of added sugars and sweeteners of any kind, and to choose foods and drinks that are naturally sweet or have no added sweeteners12.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Now that you are coated with this knowledge you finally know what's going on with Coca-Cola's zero sugar... Or do you?