The FDA just approved Gardenia (genipin) blue, a natural food dye, for certain foods and drinks. They’re also trying to expedite the ban of Red No. 3 before the January 15, 2027, deadline. Some grocers have already pledged not to sell foods with petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.

The FDA approved the fourth natural food color additive this year, but how can you avoid the artificial dyes still out there?

TUESDAY, July 15, 2025 (HealthDay News) — A natural blue food coloring made from gardenia fruit has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The additive — dubbed gardenia blue — can now be used in foods like sports drinks, flavored waters, fruit drinks, teas, and both hard and soft candies, the FDA announced July 14.