Plant-based Food Colors Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, Chlorophylls, Betalains, Others), By Form (Liquid, Powder, Gel, Paste), By Application (Beverages, Bakery & Confectionery, Dairy Products, Processed Foods, Others), By End-User (Food & Beverage Manufacturers, Retailers, Foodservice Industry, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Plant-Based Food Colors Market Size

The global plant-based food colors market was valued at USD 2.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2.93 billion in 2025 to USD 4.82 billion in 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Plant-based food colors are natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other botanicals. They enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages, offering a clean-label alternative to synthetic dyes. Unlike synthetic dyes, these natural alternatives are perceived as healthier and more sustainable, aligning with the growing consumer preference for clean-label products.

The global market's growth is driven by increasing consumer health and wellness awareness, leading to a demand for natural and clean-label products. Concerns over the safety of synthetic dyes have prompted regulatory actions, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ban on Red No. 3 due to its carcinogenic effects in animal studies. Major food companies are also reformulating products to replace artificial dyes with natural alternatives. These factors create opportunities for innovation in plant-based color formulations and new applications across various food and beverage sectors.

Emerging Market Trend

Shift towards clean-label products

The increasing consumer demand for clean-label products with simple, natural, and recognizable ingredients is significantly influencing the global market. Consumers today scrutinize food labels more than ever, driving manufacturers to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives. Brands invest heavily in natural color solutions to align with consumer expectations for transparency and healthfulness.

• For example, Chr. Hansen introduced a new line of organic plant-based food colors to enhance the visual appeal of plant-based dairy products, tapping into the demand for clean-label, natural ingredients.

The clean-label movement is compelling food producers to reformulate their products despite challenges in consistency and cost. As consumers prioritize natural and organic food, the demand for plant-based colorants is expected to soar, encouraging further innovation in formulation and processing techniques.

Plant-Based Food Colors Market Growth Factors

Regulatory pressures and health concerns

Regulatory scrutiny and health concerns associated with synthetic food dyes have driven a rapid shift toward plant-based colors. Studies linking synthetic dyes to hyperactivity in children and potential health risks have led governments worldwide to impose strict regulations.

• For instance, many states are introducing bans or warning labels on foods containing artificial dyes in the United States. California’s Assembly Bill 418, passed in November 2024, prohibits using Red 3 and other synthetic dyes, forcing manufacturers to transition to natural alternatives.
• Similarly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revised its guidelines, tightening regulations on artificial colorants and increasing demand for natural pigments like beetroot red and spirulina extract.

As global governments and health agencies push for safer food formulations, manufacturers are accelerating the adoption of plant-derived colorants, reshaping the food and beverage industry.

Restraining Factors

High production costs and stability issues

Despite increasing demand, the plant-based food coloring market faces significant challenges related to high production costs and stability issues. Extracting natural pigments from plant sources such as turmeric, beetroot, and spirulina requires advanced technology, labor-intensive methods, and higher raw material costs, making it more expensive than synthetic alternatives.

Additionally, stability issues pose a significant barrier to adoption. Plant-derived colorants are highly sensitive to pH levels, temperature variations, and light exposure, leading to color degradation. For instance, anthocyanins from blueberries and grapes are prone to fading under heat, limiting their use in baked goods and high-temperature processing.

While these innovations offer solutions to production challenges, cost concerns still deter small-scale food manufacturers from adopting plant-based colorants. However, ongoing research into cost-effective extraction techniques is expected to gradually reduce production expenses and make natural food colors more accessible.

Market Opportunity

Innovation in extraction technologies

Advancements in extraction technologies present significant opportunities for the plant-based food colors market. Companies investing in cutting-edge techniques to enhance pigment yield, efficiency, and stability are well-positioned to capitalize on increasing consumer demand for natural food colors. One of the most promising innovations in the market is fermentation-based pigment production. This method utilizes microbial fermentation to produce highly concentrated, stable plant pigments without extensive agricultural resources.

• For instance, in December 2024, ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) developed extraction technologies that remove sugars, starches, and potential proteins, resulting in colors that can withstand harsh processing environments without impacting flavor.

With continuous advancements in plant-based color extraction, manufacturers can expand their product portfolios and enhance cost efficiency, making natural food colors more accessible across different industries.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific: Dominant region

Asia-Pacific holds a substantial share of the plant-based food colors market, driven by a rich tradition of using natural ingredients and a burgeoning food and beverage industry. Countries like China, India, and Japan have a long history of incorporating plant-based colorants in their cuisines. The region's market is bolstered by increasing consumer awareness and demand for natural products. For instance, the Indian government has initiated programs promoting natural additives in food processing, supporting the growth of the global market.

North America: Fastest-growing region

North America is experiencing rapid growth in the global market, propelled by heightened consumer awareness and regulatory actions against synthetic dyes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent ban on Red No. 3, an artificial dye linked to animal cancer, exemplifies the regulatory shift toward natural alternatives. This ban has prompted food manufacturers to seek plant-based color solutions to comply with regulations and meet consumer demand. Companies like PepsiCo and Kellanova are actively reformulating products to replace artificial colors with natural ones despite challenges in consistency and cost.

Additionally, state-level actions, such as California's legislation requiring warning labels on foods containing artificial dyes, further drive the adoption of plant-based food colors. These developments, coupled with a growing preference for clean-label products, position North America as a rapidly expanding market for plant-based food colorants

Country Analysis

• United States: The United States is witnessing a significant shift toward natural food colorants, propelled by growing consumer awareness and regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, legislative efforts like the New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act aim to close FDA loopholes, mandating companies to disclose all additives, thereby promoting transparency and safety. These developments have accelerated the adoption of plant-based food colors, with companies reformulating products to meet consumer demand for natural ingredients.
• Germany: Germany stands at the forefront of the market, driven by a robust organic food industry and stringent regulations favoring natural additives. The country's commitment to sustainability and clean labeling has led manufacturers to increasingly incorporate plant-based colorants derived from beetroot, spinach, and turmeric sources. German companies are investing in research and development to enhance natural colors' stability and vibrancy, catering to domestic and European markets where consumer preference leans heavily toward natural and organic products.
• China: China's plant-based food colors market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by regulatory reforms and consumer health consciousness. Chinese companies are exploring indigenous sources such as red yeast rice and gardenia for natural colorants, aligning with traditional dietary practices. Collaborations between academic institutions and industry players foster innovation in extraction and application technologies, positioning China as a significant player in the global natural food colors market.
• India: India's rich biodiversity offers a plethora of sources for plant-based food colors, including turmeric, saffron, and hibiscus. The market is bolstered by a growing food processing industry and increasing export demand for naturally colored products. Government initiatives promoting food safety and using natural additives have further propelled this sector. Indian companies are investing in sustainable extraction methods and quality standardization to meet international regulations, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.
• Japan: In Japan, the plant-based food colors market is influenced by a cultural emphasis on aesthetics and health. Consumers prefer minimally processed foods with natural ingredients, prompting manufacturers to utilize colorants from sources like purple sweet potatoes, matcha, and sakura (cherry blossoms). The government's stringent food safety standards and support for clean labeling have encouraged the adoption of natural additives, making plant-based colors a standard in the Japanese food industry.
• Brazil: Brazil's abundant flora provides diverse sources of natural food colorants, such as annatto, açai, and guarana. The country's food industry is increasingly adopting plant-based colors to cater to domestic health trends and international market demands. Government policies supporting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation are facilitating the growth of this sector. Brazilian companies focus on scalable extraction technologies and compliance with global quality standards to expand their presence in the natural food colors market.

Plant-Based Food Colors Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

Carotenoids dominate the global market due to their widespread availability and vibrant hues ranging from yellow to red. Sourced from carrots, tomatoes, and paprika, carotenoids are extensively used in dairy products, beverages, and confectioneries. Their antioxidant properties and health benefits further enhance their appeal. Companies like Chr. Hansen offer a range of carotenoid-based color solutions, catering to the growing demand for natural additives.

By Form

Liquid plant-based food colors hold a significant market share, attributed to their ease of blending and consistency in various applications. Liquid forms are preferred in beverages, sauces, and bakery products for their uniform dispersion and stability. Givaudan provides liquid natural colors that ensure homogeneity and a vibrant appearance in food products.

By Application

The beverages segment leads in applying plant-based food colors, driven by the increasing consumer preference for naturally colored drinks. Natural colorants are used in juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages to enhance visual appeal without synthetic additives. Sensient Technologies offers a portfolio of natural colors tailored for beverage applications, ensuring stability and brightness.

By End-User

Food and beverage manufacturers are the primary end-users of plant-based food colors, incorporating natural colorants to meet consumer demand for clean-label products. The shift toward natural ingredients has led companies like Archer Daniels Midland Company to invest in expanding their natural color offerings, supporting the industry's move away from synthetic dyes.

Company Market Share

The global market is characterized by several key players instrumental in driving innovation and meeting the escalating demand for natural additives. One prominent company in this sector is Givaudan, a global leader in flavors and fragrances. Givaudan has been actively expanding its natural colorant portfolio through strategic acquisitions and investments in sustainable sourcing.

Recent Developments

• November 2024- GNT launched a new investment arm to fast-track innovations in plant-based colors. GNT has officially launched GNT Ventures, an independent investment firm, to promote innovation and sustainability in plant-based colors. GNT Ventures will invest in startups developing new and improved plant-based coloring solutions in four key areas: raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global market is transforming, driven by consumer preference for clean-label products, regulatory pressures, and technological advancements. Leading companies actively innovate to overcome cost and stability challenges, ensuring sustainable and high-performance natural color solutions.

Regionally, North America and Europe are leading the adoption of plant-based food colors, driven by health-conscious consumers and supportive regulatory environments. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a significant market, with countries like China and India leveraging their rich biodiversity to produce natural colorants.

As regulatory bodies impose stricter guidelines on synthetic dyes, the transition to plant-derived colorants will accelerate, creating lucrative opportunities for food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and research institutions. With continued investments in advanced extraction methods and fermentation technologies, the market is poised for sustained growth, offering consumers a healthier and more transparent food industry worldwide.