When it comes to baking, food coloring can be both your best friend and enemy. Some food colors elevate desserts to a whole new level, while others can ruin both the taste and look.
So which natural food colors should you buy? And are there any benefits of using a food color? This blog will answer all of your questions and more. So stick with us and read on.
Is food coloring safe?
There is currently no conclusive evidence showing food dyes to be very dangerous. However, some food dyes can cause allergic reactions. Some studies have also shown that food dye can cause children to be hyperactive, especially if they are part of sugary desserts.
But when it comes to natural food coloring, you can curb these effects since it is made from organic or natural items such as blueberry juice, beets, or beta carotene. Therefore, you should always aim for natural food coloring made from vegetable and fruit extracts.
To ensure your kids, in particular, are not affected, you should avoid giving processed foods to them since they contain the most harmful kind of food coloring.
What is natural food coloring made from?
Natural food coloring derives its color from natural sources. For instance:
- Pink from raspberries or strawberries
- Orange from sweet potato, paprika, or carrots
- Yellow from turmeric or saffron
- Blue from baking soda mixed with red cabbage
- Red from tomato or beets
- Brown from coffee, cocoa, or tea
- Black from squid ink or activated charcoal
- Green from spinach or matcha
These items are usually pulverized into a fine powder and then mixed with a liquid such as water or milk to create a concentrated base.
Are there any drawbacks?
Despite the obvious benefits, there are some drawbacks of natural food coloring
- They have a short shelf life since no preservatives are added to them.
- Some of the colors might be expensive, such as yellow and red.
- The colors are not as vibrant as the artificial food colors.
My favourite brands
Here are some of the brands that I have tried in my recipes and absolutely love them:
Whole Foods Market Plant-based Food Coloring
In Conclusion
Be it cupcakes or candy, food coloring can make any food fun. But if you are looking for a healthier and tastier alternative, then natural food coloring is what you should opt for.
Let me know in the comments if you have tried natural food coloring and what you like about it.