Plant-Based Food Colors Market Share, Growth By 2033

Plant-based food colors are natural pigments from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and botanicals. These colorants enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages while serving as a clean-label alternative to synthetic dyes. Unlike artificial dyes, plant-based options are viewed as healthier and more sustainable, aligning with the rising consumer preference for clean-label products.

The expansion of the global plant-based food colors market is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness, fueling demand for natural and clean-label products. Concerns over synthetic dye safety have led to regulatory actions, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ban on Red No. 3 due to its carcinogenic effects in animal studies. Additionally, leading food companies are reformulating products by replacing artificial dyes with natural alternatives. These dynamics create opportunities for advancements in plant-based color formulations and new applications across diverse food and beverage sectors.

Market Dynamics Regulatory pressures and health concerns drive market growth

Rising regulatory scrutiny and growing health concerns surrounding synthetic food dyes are accelerating the transition to plant-based food colors. Scientific studies linking synthetic dyes to hyperactivity in children and potential health risks have prompted governments to tighten regulations worldwide.

• For instance, in the U.S., several states are implementing bans or requiring warning labels on foods containing artificial dyes. In November 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 418, prohibiting Red 3 and other synthetic dyes, forcing food manufacturers to shift to natural alternatives.
• Similarly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated its guidelines, imposing stricter regulations on artificial colorants and increasing demand for natural pigments such as spirulina extract and beetroot red.

As global health agencies and regulatory bodies push for safer food formulations, manufacturers are accelerating their adoption of plant-derived colorants, reshaping the food and beverage industry.

Technological advancements in extraction processes present lucrative plant-based food colors market opportunities. Companies focusing on innovative techniques to improve pigment yield, efficiency, and stability are well-positioned to benefit from increasing consumer demand for natural food colors. One of the most promising developments is fermentation-based pigment production, where microbial fermentation generates highly concentrated, stable plant pigments without relying on large-scale agriculture.

• For example, in December 2024, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) introduced new extraction technologies that eliminate sugars, starches, and proteins, resulting in food colors that can withstand extreme processing conditions without altering flavor.

As plant-based color extraction continues to evolve, manufacturers can expand their offerings while improving cost-efficiency, making natural food colors more viable across various industries.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific region holds a substantial share of the plant-based food colors market, driven by a deep-rooted tradition of using natural ingredients and a rapidly growing food and beverage sector. Countries like China, India, and Japan have long incorporated plant-based colorants into their cuisines. The regional market is further strengthened by rising consumer awareness and an increasing preference for natural products.

For example, the Indian government has launched initiatives promoting natural additives in food processing, supporting the plant-based food colors market's expansion.

Key Highlights

• The global plant-based food colors market was valued at USD 2.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2.93 billion in 2025 to reach USD 4.82 billion in 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2025–2033).​
• Based on product type, the global market is segmented into carotenoids, anthocyanins, chlorophylls, betalains, and others. Carotenoids dominate the plant-based food colors market due to their widespread availability and vibrant hues ranging from yellow to red.
• Based on form, the global market is segmented into liquid, powder, gel, and paste. Liquid plant-based food colors hold a significant market share, attributed to their ease of blending and consistency in various applications.
• Based on application, the global market is segmented into beverages, bakery & confectionery, dairy products, processed foods, and others. The beverages segment leads in applying plant-based food colors, driven by the increasing consumer preference for naturally colored drinks.
• Based on end-users, the global market is segmented into food & beverage manufacturers, retailers, the food service industry, and others. Food and beverage manufacturers are the primary end-users of plant-based food colors, incorporating natural colorants to meet consumer demand for clean-label products.
• Based on region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific holds a substantial share of the plant-based food colors market, driven by a rich tradition of using natural ingredients and a burgeoning food and beverage industry.