US FDA Broadens Approval for Spirulina-based Blue Colours
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded the permitted uses of spirulina extract as a colour additive to foods generally in the United States, opening the door to wider use of natural blue shades across multiple categories, including bakery.
Spirulina extract was the first natural blue colour approved for food use in the US. Its applications have been extended incrementally over recent years, including authorisation for beverages in 2022. The latest decision removes previous category-specific limitations.
Each regulatory expansion followed petitions submitted by GNT Group, the producer of EXBERRY plant-based colours made from non-GMO fruits, vegetables and plants. The company has also invested in supply chain and quality systems to support commercial-scale production of spirulina-based colours.
The broader approval is particularly relevant for bakery manufacturers, where natural green tones – often achieved by combining yellow and blue – are in demand for products such as pistachio- and matcha-inspired lines and seasonal launches. Historically, spirulina extract has been used primarily in decorations, fillings and coatings, with more limited direct application in doughs and batters.
Jane MacDonald, Director of Technical Development at GNT USA, said the regulatory change would allow manufacturers to more confidently evaluate natural blue solutions within their formulations and commercial strategies.
In a related update, the FDA also clarified its position on voluntary front-of-pack claims regarding the absence of FD&C colours. The agency stated that manufacturers may now use “no artificial colors” claims where products do not contain petroleum-based colours, even if other colouring ingredients are present. Previously, such claims were limited to products containing no added colour ingredients at all.
The clarification is expected to support manufacturers reformulating with plant-based colour systems as part of a broader shift away from synthetic dyes.