The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sanctioned the use of spirulina extract as a colour additive across all food categories. This regulatory advancement, initiated by a petition from plant-based colour specialist GNT, is set to facilitate the incorporation of natural blue and green hues throughout the US food industry.
Spirulina extract, historically constrained to certain food categories, has evolved since its initial approval as the first natural blue colour additive in the United States. The latest amendment, following a significant expansion into beverages in 2022, dismantles remaining restrictions, empowering manufacturers to integrate these natural colours beyond mere decorations and fillings into core product formulations.
The bakery sector is expected to witness immediate impacts. Achieving natural green tones in doughs and batters has been challenging due to limited access to stable blue components. With this regulatory clearance, the industry can now develop plant-based colour solutions for vibrant pistachio and matcha-inspired flavours, seasonal offerings, and innovative batter applications, moving spirulina from surface coatings into the mix itself.
Jane MacDonald, director of technical development at GNT USA, stated, “With more natural blue options now permitted, the focus is on helping manufacturers understand what’s possible. GNT brings regulatory experience and technical application expertise to support informed decision-making as customers evaluate natural blue solutions within their specific formulations.”
In tandem, the FDA has revised its guidance on voluntary labeling claims. Companies can now declare products as containing “no artificial colours” if they exclude petroleum-based (FD&C) dyes. Previously, such claims were limited to foods without any added colouring ingredients. This update provides significant marketing leverage for companies using GNT’s Exberry line of plant-based colours.
The successful petition by GNT reflects sustained investment in the technical and supply infrastructure necessary to commercialise spirulina-based colours at scale. With this comprehensive approval, GNT has cleared the regulatory path for brands to align with the increasing consumer demand for clean label and non-GMO plant-based ingredients.
As manufacturers contemplate reformulation, the combination of expanded usage and more flexible labeling guidance is anticipated to hasten the shift away from synthetic FD&C colours in the American market.
