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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the use of a new blue color additive from the gardenia fruit the fourth coloring from natural sources added in the last two months.

A natural blue food coloring made from gardenia fruit has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).