Natural Food Colors Market Size - By Type (Chlorophyll, Curcumin, Carmine), By Source (Plant based, Animal based), By Application (Beverages, Bakery and Confectionery, Dairy and Dairy Products, Snacks and Convenience Foods), Form & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Natural Food Colors Market Size

Natural Food Colors Market was valued at around USD 2.18 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.6% between 2024 and 2032. On account of the significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable food choices.
 

As awareness of the potential health risks associated with synthetic food dyes has increased, consumers are increasingly seeking products that contain natural alternatives. This has spurred the demand for natural food colors derived from plant, fruit, and vegetable sources, such as beetroot, spirulina, turmeric, and anthocyanin-rich berries. These colors not only provide vibrant and appealing hues to food and beverages but also offer potential nutritional advantages. Moreover, they cater to the rising demand for clean label products, which emphasize transparency and simplicity in ingredient lists.
 

The cost of producing natural food colors can be higher than that of synthetic counterparts, posing a potential hurdle for manufacturers aiming to maintain competitive pricing. Color stability can be a concern in certain applications, limiting the use of natural colors in products with extended shelf lives or exposure to environmental factors. The limited palette of natural sources may also restrict the ability to achieve specific color shades, while sourcing and supply chain challenges can disrupt consistent availability. Despite these challenges, the Natural Food Colors market continues to thrive, driven by the convergence of consumer health awareness, regulatory support, and ongoing industry innovation.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic has increased consumer awareness of health and wellness. Many individuals are now more conscious of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to support their immune systems. This has driven demand for natural and healthier food and beverage options, including those containing natural food colors. With lockdowns and restrictions in place, many consumers turned to home cooking and baking. This increased interest in cooking and DIY food products has driven demand for natural food colors as individuals seek to create visually appealing dishes and treats at home. The closure or reduced capacity of restaurants and food service establishments significantly impacted the food industry.
 

Natural Food Colors Market Trends

There is continued surge in demand for clean label products. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing food labels and seeking transparency in ingredients, leading to a growing preference for natural food colors derived from plant, fruit, and vegetable sources. This clean label trend aligns with a broader movement towards healthier eating habits and a desire for more wholesome, minimally processed foods. While it initially gained prominence in the production of organic and natural products, it has now permeated mainstream food and beverage categories. This includes everything from confectionery and bakery items to dairy products, beverages, and even savory snacks.
 

Natural Food Colors Market Analysis

Based on type, the anthocyanins segment exceeded USD 430 million in 2022. Anthocyanins are derived from various fruits and vegetables such as berries, grapes, and red cabbage. They are highly sought after for their vibrant red, purple, and blue hues, making them popular choices for a wide range of food and beverage products, including juices, jams, and confectionery. Carotenoids, extracted from sources like carrots, tomatoes, and marigold flowers, also command a significant market share. Their vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors are widely used in products such as dairy, baked goods, and beverages.
 

Based on source, the plant & fruit-based segment captured about 60% of the market share in 2022. Extracts from fruits like berries, vegetables like beets, and plants like turmeric provide a wide array of vibrant hues. These natural colorants are favored for their clean label appeal and are extensively used in products such as beverages, dairy, and baked goods. Consumers perceive them as healthier alternatives to synthetic dyes, which has driven their popularity. Mineral and chemical-based natural colors, such as iron oxide and titanium dioxide, are derived from minerals and are used to a lesser extent in the natural food colors market. They offer stability and a broader color range compared to other sources but may not always align with strict clean label requirements.
 

The liquid food colors market is anticipated to grow at 6.1% CAGR through 2032. Liquid food colors are preferred for their ease of use and versatility. Liquid formats are well-suited for applications where uniform dispersion and blending are crucial, such as beverages, sauces, and frosting. The liquid form allows for precise color control and customization, making it a popular choice among manufacturers looking to achieve specific shades.
 

Based on application, the beverage industry held the dominant market in 2022. Natural colors are widely used in soft drinks, fruit juices, sorts and energy drinks, and even alcoholic beverages. Consumers are increasingly drawn to visually appealing, naturally colored beverages, which has driven the adoption of these colors in this segment. Natural food colors are also extensively used in bakery & confectionery to create visually appealing baked goods, cakes, pastries, and confections. Their popularity in this segment is due to their versatility in achieving a wide range of colors, which is crucial for creating enticing treats.
 

North America natural food colors market size dominated around USD 510 million in 2022. The bakery and confectionery segment in North America has been a major contributor to the market share, with manufacturers seeking to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives. In addition to baked goods, natural food colors are extensively used in beverages, dairy products, and snacks as consumers seek out healthier and more visually appealing options.

Natural Food Colors Market Share

Some of the major market players operating in the natural food colors industry are:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Sensient Technologies Corporation
• Allied Biotech Corporation
• Naturex
• Döhler GmbH
• Kalsec Inc
• International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• McCormick & Company
• ROHA Group
• Givaudan
• Spring TopCo DK ApS (Oterra)
• Ingredion
• Incoltec
• Aromata Group S.R.L

These players focus on strategic partnerships, new product launch & commercialization for market expansion. Furthermore, these players are heavily investing in research that allows them to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is primarily engaged in the merchandising, storing, transporting, procuring, and processing of agricultural products. The company provides flavor products, soluble fibers, natural colors, emulsifiers, natural flavor ingredients, polyols, proteins, hydrocolloids, natural health & nutritional products, and specialty food & feed ingredients. Its operating segments include nutrition, origination, oilseeds, and carbohydrate solutions. The products & services offered by the company include oil palm cultivation, oleochemicals, oilseeds crushing, packaged oils & foods, edible oil refining, sugar milling & refining, grain processing, and biodiesel & fertilizer manufacturing. The company has 44 innovation centers and 270 ingredient manufacturing facilities across 170 countries.
 

Natural Food Colors Industry News

In September 2022, Sun Chemical has introduced SUNFOODSTM Natural Colorants, a product range now accessible in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These colorants can seamlessly replicate numerous industry-standard and customized hues, making them suitable for an extensive range of food and beverage applications. This fresh collection of natural colorants is being launched as part of the "Inspired by nature" campaign within the food and nutrition industry.
 

This natural food colors market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million & Units from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Type

• Anthocyanins
• Carotenoids
• Chlorophyll
• Curcumin
• Carmine
• Other

By Source

• Plant & Fruit based
• Animal based
• Mineral & Chemical based
• Micro-organism based

By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Gel

By Application

• Beverages
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Dairy and Dairy Products
• Meat and Seafood Products
• Snacks and Convenience Foods
• Other

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt