Natural Food Colorants Market Size to Hit USD 2.06 Bn in 2025

Natural Food Colorants Market Thrives on Clean‑Label and Plant‑Based Innovation

The global natural food colorants market size is projected to grow from USD 2.06 billion in 2025 to USD 3.96 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This market expansion is driven by the rising consumer demand for clean-label and plant-based products, growing concerns over synthetic food colorants, and an increasing preference for natural and sustainable food solutions.

Last Updated: 29 July 2025 Category: Food & Beverages Ingredients Insight Code: 5757 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Natural Food Colorants Market Size, Share | CAGR of 7.5%.

The global natural food colorants market size was calculated at USD 1.92 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 2.06 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 3.96 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rising preferences for natural and clean label products and the potential health benefits of natural colorants support the emerging demand for food colorants from natural sources. 

Natural Food Colorants Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, Europe dominated the natural food colorants market with an estimated market share of approximately 33% in 2024, owing to the strict EU regulations on synthetic food additives and the growing consumer demand for natural products.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to the expansion of the food and beverage industry. 
  • By source type, the plant-based segment dominated the market with an estimated market share of approximately 68% in 2024 due to the enhanced safety and improved nutritional value of plant-based natural food colorants. 
  • By source type, the microbial-based segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period, driven by the bioactive properties and scalability of microbial-based natural food colorants. 
  • By pigment type, the carotenoids segment dominated the market with an estimated market share of approximately 30% in 2024 due to the antioxidant activity and potential anti-inflammatory effects of using carotenoids as natural food colorants. 
  • By pigment type, the phycocyanin (from Spirulina) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the potential anti-cancer effects and brain health effects of phycocyanin. 
  • By form, the powder segment dominated the market with an estimated market share of approximately 55% in 2024 due to extended shelf life, texture, and consistent color of powder forms of food colorants from natural sources. 
  • By form, the emulsion/oil-based suspension segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by improved stability, shelf life, and enhanced bioactivity of these forms of food colorants. 
  • By solubility, the water-soluble segment dominated the market in 2024 with an estimated market share of approximately 70% due to the potential of water-soluble colorants like anthocyanins, betalains, phycobiliproteins, and chlorophyllins.
  • By solubility, the oil-soluble segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to the applications of oil-soluble colorants in food to deliver vibrant and intense colors to food products. 
  • By application, the beverages segment dominated the market with an estimated market share of approximately 35% in 2024 due to the enhanced product appeal from the use of natural colorants. 
  • By application, the food segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to the major role of food colorants as healthier alternatives delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
  • By distribution channel, the direct sales (B2B) segment dominated the market with an estimated market share of approximately 62% in 2024 due to clean label appeal, brand trust, and loyalty. 
  • By distribution channel, the online B2B platforms segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by enhanced brand image and marketing advantages.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 7.5%
Market Size in 2025 USD 2.06 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 2.22 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 3.96 Billion
Largest Market Europe
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Market Overview

What are Food Colorants from Natural Sources in the Natural Food Colorants Market? 

Natural Food Colorants are pigments or dyes derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, plants, minerals, or microorganisms, used to impart color to food and beverages. Unlike synthetic colorants, they are non-toxic, biodegradable, and are often perceived as safer and cleaner-label ingredients by consumers. In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of three natural food colors that are derived from algae and flower petals. In May 2025, the U.S. FDA announced the approvals of natural food dyes which were a part of the Trump administration’s campaign to remove artificial dyes from American foods and beverages. 

Natural Food Coloring Brands and Suppliers

Sr. No. Name of the Brand/Supplier Natural Colorant Products
1 FoodRGB Inc. β-Carotene, Paprika Oleoresin, Beetroot Red, Radish Red, Cabbage Red, Spirulina Blue, and Curcumin
2 CAIF Naturally Sourced Solutions annatto, beet juice, and turmeric
3 Deiman USA caramel color, annatto, and turmeric
4 Avalon Deco Supplies, Inc. beet juice, spirulina, and paprika
5 RK Pigments beet juice, spirulina, and paprika
6 Papagino Foods annatto, beet juice, and turmeric
7 Aldon Corporation annatto, beet juice, and turmeric

(Source: stellarix)

What are the Future Trends in Natural Food Coloring? 

  • Next-Generation Stabilization Techniques: Scientists are adopting the usage of nanotechnology to enhance the stability of natural pigments like curcumin. These pigments are protected from oxidation, UV radiation, and thermal shifts by enzyme-based nanoflowers. Novel techniques like encapsulation and nanoemulsion allow a controlled release of pigments which improves the shelf life of processed food
  • Technological Applications: There are wide applications of natural colorants in various sectors, such as bakery products, confectionery, beverages, milk, dairy, dairy products, meat, meat products, and other food products. They are suitable to use in beverages like fruit juice, sports drink, and carbonated drinks. They are also used in other food products, like soups, sauces, and dressings. 

Market Opportunity

What is the Future of Organic Food Coloring? 

The food and beverage industries are continuously introducing enhanced processing techniques and exploring novel processing methods. The food industries are adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the stability and effectiveness of food colorants from natural sources within food systems. The food industries are developing innovative formulations and encapsulation techniques to enhance the functionality and stability of natural colorants. 

Market Challenges

What Challenges are Faced by Natural Food Coloring? 

These challenges are associated with various factors such as color stability, limited color change, cost, sourcing, and processing. Consumers can observe color fading or changes in color over time due to the less stability of natural food colorants than synthetic colorants. It is challenging for food manufacturers to ensure consistent color in their products. The natural colorants are more costly than synthetic ones, which makes them less preferred and less attractive to food manufacturers. They are generally sourced from specific seasonal fruits and vegetables, which cause price fluctuations. 

Regional Insights

How Europe Dominated the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

Europe dominates the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the strict regulatory frameworks and sustainability initiatives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts a safety assessment for each food color which is authorized for use in the European Union. In July 2023, the experts at the EFSA conducted a safety re-evaluation of calcium carbonate as a food additives. According to the European government, natural food colors in Europe have wide applications in bakeries, beverages, cereals, confectionery, dairy, cheese, meat, meat alternatives, and dietary supplements. Some of the additives used as natural food colors are turmeric, beet extract, and paprika extract. 

How does France Represent itself as the Most Opportunistic Market? 

France is the major opportunistic and rapidly growing European market for suppliers of organic and plant-based foods. French market remains a leading importer and distributor of natural ingredients that are generally used as food additives. With the increasing demand for natural food additives in the French market, France is leading in ingredient formulation. There is a strong presence of the leading companies in sectors such as flavors, fragrances, and natural sweeteners in France. 

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the natural food colorants market during the forecast period due to sustainable sourcing and production of clean label products. The Asian Pacific government implements regulatory measures and promotes natural and sustainable solutions. The government supports initiatives to spread awareness among consumers, empower them with healthy food choices, and encourage them to clean labels. 

How is India Participating in the Global Value Chain? 

The Department of Commerce makes efforts to expand exports to India. It also supports initiatives to create an equitable environment and promote sustainable trade practices. These efforts can enhance efficiency and the ease of operating businesses. They also allow the integration of value-added products into the global market.

Segmental Insights

Source Type Insights

How Plant-based Segment Dominated the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The plant-based segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the potential of plant-based food colorants in delivering reduced allergies, reduced hyperactivity, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant-based food sources exhibit the potential for nutritional enhancement and environmental sustainability. The plant-based ingredients minimize pollution and water pollution and support biodiversity. 

The microbial-based segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the natural food colorants market during the forecast period, because the microbial pigments are generally recognized as safe for human consumption. These food sources are environment-friendly, deliver lower costs, and scalable. These ingredients offer sustainable sourcing and natural preservation. 

Pigment Type Insights 

What Made Carotenoids the Dominant Segment in the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The carotenoids segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the potential of these pigments in disease prevention and provitamin A activity. They are available in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based sources which contain vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. The carotenoids have antioxidant power and provitamin A activity which improve eye health, cardiovascular health, and prevent cancer. 

The Phycocyanin (from Spirulina) Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Natural Food Colorants Market During the Forecast Period.

Due to the availability of phycocyanin in natural food colorants as natural and safe alternatives to synthetic dyes. They exhibit nutraceuticals, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties and effects. The phycocyanins are immunostimulant and exhibit immunomodulatory properties. They support cardiovascular health, offer anti-cancer effects, and regulate blood sugar levels. 

Form Insights 

How did the Powder Segment Dominate the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The powder segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the health, safety, and protection against degradation associated with the powder forms of food colorants. These powder forms are suitable for various applications, such as confectionery, beverages, baked goods, dairy products, etc. The powder forms are beneficial in terms of intense color saturation, versatility, and ease of use and application. 

The Emulsion/Oil-Based Suspension Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Natural Food Colorants Market During the Forecast Period

Due to improved color stability, versatility, health, and safety benefits. These forms of food colorants deliver improved sensory and aesthetic qualities along with enhanced stability in challenging environments. These types of food colorant forms are biodegradable, non-toxic, and deliver potential therapeutic benefits. 

Solubility Insights

How Water-Soluble Segment Dominated the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The water-soluble segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the major role of naturally sourced and water-soluble food colorants in avoiding adverse effects or allergic reactions. They are more beneficial than their synthetic counterparts in terms of improved health, safety, technological applications, and increased consumer appeal. The water-soluble forms are popular among consumers due to product uniformity and the potential for dual functionality. They provide aesthetic and technological advantages such as color restoration, improved appearance, and consumer appeal. 

The Oil-Soluble Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Natural Food Colorants Market During the Forecast Period.

Due to versatile applications of oil-soluble food colorants in chocolate, confectionery, bakery products, dairy products, flavoring, and coloring. They can meet consumer demands for natural and health-conscious food products in a sustainable manner. The oil-soluble forms are safe alternatives to synthetic dyes and exhibit improved aesthetic appeal of food and beverage products. They have wide applications in chocolate and candy coatings, buttercream frosting, oil-based batteries, meat products, gum paste, etc. 

Application Insights 

What made Beverages the Dominant Segment in the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The beverages segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to the advancements in natural colorant technology which make natural food colors the preferred choice for the beverage industry. These colors offer an aesthetic appeal to the products which enhances consumer trust and drives a more natural and sustainable future for beverages. The beverages present functional benefits in terms of diverse color palettes and technological advancements to improve the stability of food products. 

The Food Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Natural Food Colorants Market During the Forecast Period.

Due to the reduced risk of developing allergies from synthetic food dyes and the clean label appeal of products. Food products are gaining traction due to sustainable practices and biodegradable and non-toxic products. The various food products enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds provide nutritional value and health benefits to consumers. 

Distribution Channel Insights 

How did the Direct Sales (B2B) Segment Dominate the Natural Food Colorants Market in 2024? 

The direct sales (B2B) segment dominated the natural food colorants market in 2024 owing to compliance with evolving regulations, faster innovation, and responsiveness. B2B direct sales and B2B buyers introduce increased profit margins and stronger customer relationships. The B2B channels introduce a simplified supply chain and improved control over businesses. They also reduce marketing and sales costs, offer access to innovation, and support R&D efforts. 

The Online B2B Platforms Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Natural Food Colorants Market During the Forecast Period.

Due to affordable and targeted marketing through online retail channels. The online retail offers global reach, convenience, data-driven insights, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The online B2B platforms provide benefits such as reduced advertising costs, enhanced customer reach, and flexibility. 

Recent Developments in the Natural Food Colorants Market

Sensient Technologies Corporation 

  • Launch: In June 2025, Sensient Technologies Corporation and Sensient Flavors & Extracts announced the launch of an innovative portfolio of natural flavors named BioSymphony, which delivers authentic and high-impact flavor solutions. (Source: sensientflavorsandextracts)

Symrise AG and Shan Foods

  • Collaboration: In September 2024, Symrise AG, in collaboration with Shan Foods, announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art international standard production facility for its strategic partnership in Pakistan. (Source: Symrise)

Natural Food Colorants Market Leading Companies

Natural Food Colorants Market Companies

  • Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
  • Sensient Technologies Corporation
  • DSM-Firmenich
  • Naturex (Givaudan Group)
  • DDW, The Color House (Givaudan Group)
  • Symrise AG
  • Kalsec Inc.
  • Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
  • Roha Dyechem Pvt. Ltd.
  • Döhler Group
  • Flavaroma Flavors and Fragrances
  • San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.
  • GNT Group B.V. (EXBERRY®)
  • Blue California
  • BioconColors (BioCon)
  • Sensient Natural Ingredients
  • Akay Natural Ingredients
  • Allied Biotech Corporation
  • Plant Lipids Pvt Ltd
  • Roelmi HPC

Segments Covered in the Report

By Source Type

  • Plant-based 
    • Fruits
    • Vegetable 
    • Flower 
    • Herbs & Spice 
  • Microbial based 
    • Fungi
    • Alga
  • Mineral-based 
    • Iron oxides 
    • Calcium carbonate 
  • Animal-based

By Pigment Type

  • Carotenoids 
  • Anthocyanins
  • Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllin 
  • Curcumin
  • Betalains
  • Phycocyanin (from Spirulina)
  • Carmine (Carminic acid)

By Form

  • Liquid 
  • Powder 
  • Gel/Paste 
  • Emulsion/Oil-based suspension 

By Solubility

  • Water-soluble 
  • Oil-soluble 
  • Alcohol-soluble 

By Application

  • Food 
    • Bakery & Confectionery 
    • Dairy Products 
    • Meat Substitutes 
    • Snacks & Savory 
    • Packaged Meals 
    • Sauces & Dressings 
  • Beverages 
    • Carbonated Drinks 
    • Juices 
    • Sports/Energy Drinks 
    • Alcoholic Beverages 
  • Infant & Baby Food 
  • Nutraceuticals & Supplements 
  • Pet Food 

By Distribution Channel 

  • Direct Sales (B2B) 
  • Distributors & Wholesalers 
  • Online B2B Platforms 

By Region

  • North America
  • Asia Pacific
  • Europe
  • Middle East and Africa
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The global natural food colorants market was valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5%, reaching nearly USD 3.96 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for clean-label & healthier alternatives to synthetic colorants.

Technological advancements are enabling improved stabilization and shelf-life of natural colorants through innovations like encapsulation and nanoemulsion. These techniques help natural colorants resist oxidation, UV radiation, and thermal shifts.

Challenges include issues with color stability, limited shelf life, and the high cost of production compared to synthetic colorants. Additionally, sourcing natural ingredients from seasonal plants or microorganisms leads to price fluctuations, which makes consistent supply and pricing a challenge for manufacturers.

Europe is the largest market due to stringent regulations on synthetic additives and strong consumer demand for natural ingredients. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate due to the expanding food and beverage industries.

The market presents opportunities in emerging economies, where there is rising demand for organic and clean-label food products. Additionally, advancements in food coloring techniques, such as water-soluble and oil-soluble colorants.

The microbial-based segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the scalable production, environmental sustainability, and bioactive properties of microbial-based natural food colorants, such as those derived from fungi and algae.

The B2B direct sales segment currently dominates the market due to strong brand loyalty and compliance with regulations. However, the online B2B platforms segment is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the convenience of e-commerce, targeted marketing.

Plant-based natural colorants dominate due to their health benefits, such as reduced allergy risks and antioxidant properties. They also support environmental sustainability by minimizing pollution and enhancing biodiversity.