Synthetic Food Colorant Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.54 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 2.02 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.57% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Synthetic Food Colorant Market Analysis
The Synthetic Food Colorant Market size is estimated at USD 1.54 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.02 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.57% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Synthetic food color plays a vital role in the appeal of food and beverage products, contributing to their visual allure and consumer acceptance. One of the primary aspects of using synthetic food colorants in food and beverages is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of food products. The synthetic food colorant market witnessed notable growth due to low cost, improved appearance, high color intensity, and more color stability and uniformity. The shift from synthetic colors to natural colors is anticipated to decelerate due to the higher cost of natural colorants. These properties of synthetic food colorants keep the upper edge compared to natural food colorants. The increased demand for processed food further enhances the demand for synthetic food colors. According to the Food and Health Survey of the International Food Information Council (IFIC), around 72% of Americans snacked at least once daily in addition to their main meals in 2022. The high demand for snacks, including bakery and other savory products, drives the market growth of synthetic food colorants.
The increasing demand among customers for diverse and vibrant colors inspired by different cultures and flowers is a key factor that could contribute to the expansion of extractive and colorful processed food. Younger consumers are eager to explore novel food and beverages, increasing the need for innovative products. Synthetic colorants are generally more stable than natural equivalents, resulting in lower usage levels to meet shelf-life objectives. Overall, the combination of lower usage rates and lesser production costs results in cost-in-use comparisons that are frequently several times lower than comparable natural color solutions. Therefore, the lower usage rates are the primary reason synthetic colors cost less than their synthetic counterparts. For instance, according to one of the leading synthetic food colorant manufacturers, Sensient Technologies, synthetic pure dyes contain over 90% pigment in their raw material. This, in turn, supports the market demand.
Synthetic Food Colorant Market Trends
Growing Use of Synthetic Colorant in Beverages Fuel the Market
The growing use of synthetic colorants in beverages is linked to consumer demand for visually appealing products, the desire for vibrant and consistent coloring, and the cost-effectiveness of synthetic alternatives compared to natural colorants. The changing food habits coupled with the increasing population of young people drive the market demand for ready-to-drink products. The market witnessed demand for processed beverage products that accelerate carbonated-based beverage consumption. Consumers today expect more from beverages than a means to quench their thirst. Thus, beverages, like soft drinks, offer new drinking experiences and bursts of variant color, suiting the individual consumer’s preferences. This increased demand for synthetic food colors from the soft drink manufacturers. According to the British Soft Drinks Association, the consumption of carbonated soft drinks in the United Kingdom in 2021 was valued at 5,345 million liters, which increased to 5,997 million liters in 2022.
The synthetic food color market is expected to grow due to the increasing consumption of fruit juice around the globe. According to the British Soft Drinks Association, the total fruit juice consumption in the United Kingdom was valued at 956 million liters in 2021, which increased to 973 million liters in 2022. Increasing production and consumption of alcoholic beverages worldwide is directly influencing the growth of the synthetic food color market. According to Beverage Information Group, the total alcoholic beverage sales in the United States were valued at USD 244.8 billion in 2021, which increased to USD 259.8 billion in 2022. Thus, the increasing sale value of alcoholic beverages is expected to increase the demand for synthetic food color during the forecasted period.
North America Holds the Significant Market Share
North America’s significant market share in the synthetic food colorant market is driven by factors such as the region’s large food and beverage industry, demand for visually appealing products, and extensive use of synthetic colorants in various food and beverage applications. The continued popularity of processed and convenience foods in the United States led to a consistent demand for synthetic food colors, as these colors enhance the visual appeal of a wide range of processed food products. For instance, according to the Winsight Grocery Business, the retail sale of processed meat in the United States accounted for USD 29.11 billion in 2022. Regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several synthetic food colors in the United States. This regulatory approval assures manufacturers of the safety and suitability of these colors for consumption, driving their use in the market.
Busy lifestyles and convenience lead to higher consumption of packaged and processed foods, often using colorants for visual appeal. The popularity of snacking drives the use of colorants in chips, candies, and other snack products. In Canada, synthetic colorants were most used in bakery products and mixes in 2023. Canada permitted around 29 colorants for food application as of 2023. Allura Red, Tartrazine, Brilliant Blue FCF, and Sunset Yellow FCF are the most commonly used colorants in the country. Synthetic colorants remained dominant over natural colorants, especially in commercially produced foods, due to their cost-effectiveness and vibrant colors. Synthetic food colors are highly sought after for commercial use because of their excellent light stability, affordability, and minimal risk of microbial contamination. Increasing demand from the beverage industry, bakery, and confectionery industries is driving the growth of synthetic food color.
Synthetic Food Colorant Industry Overview
The global synthetic food colorants market is competitive and comprises local and international competitors. Players in the market compete using various strategies ranging from expanding their production facilities to maintaining food safety guidelines and other such strategies. Sensient Technologies Corporation, Vibfast Pigments Pvt. Ltd and Red Sun Dye Chem are some major players operating in the market that hold dominant positions, closely followed by Roha Group and Neelikon. Among the strategies, expansion is the most preferred strategy by the prominent players in the global synthetic food colorants market. The market players are expanding their product portfolios and distribution networks or opening innovation centers to cater to the demand of food manufacturers. The companies are opening new facilities, research centers, and offices worldwide. For instance, in November 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances expanded its first dedicated food and beverage lab in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea.
Synthetic Food Colorant Market Leaders
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Sensient Technologies Corporation
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Vibfast Pigments Pvt. Ltd
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Red Sun Dye Chem
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Roha Group
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Neelikon
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Synthetic Food Colorant Market News
- In November 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances expanded its first dedicated food and beverage lab in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea.
- In August 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances expanded its research lab and new North American Creation and Design center in the New Century.
- In April 2022, Sensient Technologies Corporation inaugurated its new customer and innovation lab in Somerset, NJ. The area was 21,000 square feet and was designed to promote collaborative R&D and help innovation thrive.
Synthetic Food Colorant Industry Segmentation
A chemical molecule created by artificial means to add color to food and beverages is known as a synthetic food colorant. These colorants are made in laboratories using chemical synthesis, not natural sources.
The synthetic food colorant market is segmented by color type, application, and geography. Based on color type, the market is segmented into blue, red, green, yellow, and other color type. Based on application, the market is segmented into beverages, dairy products, bakery and confectionery, snacks and cereals, and other applications. The beverages segment is further divided into carbonated soft drinks, juice and juice concentrates, functional beverages, alcoholic beverages, and other beverages. Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report offers the market size in value terms in USD for all the abovementioned segments.
| Color Type | Blue | ||
| Red | |||
| Green | |||
| Yellow | |||
| Other Color Types | |||
| Application | Beverages | Carbonated Soft Drinks | |
| Juice and Juice Concentrates | |||
| Functional Beverages | |||
| Alcoholic Beverages | |||
| Other Beverages | |||
| Dairy Products | |||
| Bakery and Confectionery | |||
| Snacks and Cereals | |||
| Other Application | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| Europe | Spain | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Germany | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Russia | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | South Africa | ||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
Synthetic Food Colorant Market Research FAQs
How big is the Synthetic Food Colorant Market?
The Synthetic Food Colorant Market size is expected to reach USD 1.54 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.57% to reach USD 2.02 billion by 2030.
What is the current Synthetic Food Colorant Market size?
In 2025, the Synthetic Food Colorant Market size is expected to reach USD 1.54 billion.
Who are the key players in Synthetic Food Colorant Market?
Sensient Technologies Corporation, Vibfast Pigments Pvt. Ltd, Red Sun Dye Chem, Roha Group and Neelikon are the major companies operating in the Synthetic Food Colorant Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Synthetic Food Colorant Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Synthetic Food Colorant Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Synthetic Food Colorant Market.
What years does this Synthetic Food Colorant Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Synthetic Food Colorant Market size was estimated at USD 1.45 billion. The report covers the Synthetic Food Colorant Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Synthetic Food Colorant Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Synthetic Food Colorant Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Synthetic Food Colorant market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Synthetic Food Colorant analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
