As the global consumer trend shifts toward “clean eating and green living,” the FDA’s approval of several natural food coloring agents – especially algae extract and other green pigments – has opened new doors for Vietnam’s food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Natural food coloring: A core element in clean label strategies
In today’s highly competitive market, F&B brands can no longer rely solely on taste or pricing. Consumers, especially in the U.S. and other developed countries, are increasingly attentive to product ingredients – where even coloring agents carry significant weight.
Previously, synthetic dyes were commonly used due to their low cost and high stability. However, scientific research and media pressure have gradually pushed these out in favor of natural alternatives, which are less processed and offer transparent sourcing.
Natural food coloring – extracted from vegetables, herbs, fruits, or microorganisms – ensures food safety and aligns with the growing “clean label” trend. This label represents a new global standard that prioritizes natural, simple, and recognizable ingredients. Transitioning to these clean-label colorants is not just about compliance; it signals a brand’s long-term vision: a commitment to product quality, consumer health, and brand integrity.
FDA approval of algae extract and natural green color: A market breakthrough
One of the FDA’s most significant moves was approving Spirulina extract as a natural food coloring. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich microalgae, yields a rare, vibrant blue-green pigment – ideal for products targeting children and plant-based consumers such as gummies, ice cream, yogurt, and functional beverages.
In addition to Spirulina, the FDA has expanded its list of approved natural food colorings to include turmeric, beetroot, matcha, annatto, and carmine. These substances are not only safe but also cater to emerging health trends such as “plant-based,” “non-GMO,” and “allergen-free.”
This shift presents a major advantage for Vietnamese businesses. Vietnam’s rich agricultural ecosystem, combined with flexible production capabilities, creates a solid foundation for developing compliant supply chains. The question is no longer “Can we do it?” but “Is your business ready to standardize and enter the global arena?”
What Vietnamese companies must prepare?
Although market demand for natural food coloring is evident, successfully incorporating these colorants into products and distributing them in the U.S. market requires overcoming several legal, technical, and testing hurdles:
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Understand FDA regulations for each coloring agent, including usage limits, application scope, and labeling requirements.
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Prove product safety and color stability through real-life testing under commercial conditions.
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Establish internal quality control processes, from sourcing raw materials to final packaging.
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Standardize legal and technical documentation to comply with FDA submission formats.
This transformation won’t happen overnight. It demands strategic investment in technology, equipment, and most importantly, a deep understanding of international food regulations. This is the time for Vietnamese businesses to seek trustworthy partners who can help shorten their time to market and minimize commercialization risks.
-> Learn more: Latest 2025 FDA certification services in the U.S.
MettiFDA – Supporting Vietnam’s F&B businesses on their clean label journey
As a legal and project consulting firm specializing in FDA compliance, MettiFDA has supported many Vietnamese enterprises in building regulatory files, managing risks, and ensuring that products meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. market.
MettiFDA’s services include:
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Consulting on suitable natural food coloring options for each product line.
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Assessing legality and assisting with safety testing of various extracts, including algae-based and natural green colorants.
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Preparing FDA registration dossiers, reviewing labels, and advising on compliant packaging design.
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Training company teams on food safety, traceability, and the latest FDA regulatory updates.
With an experienced team and an extensive international partner network, MettiFDA not only helps businesses comply with legal standards but also accelerates export readiness, builds reputable brands, and establishes a strong presence in the U.S. market.
Conclusion
The FDA’s approval of more natural food coloring options is a clear signal that consumer demands are becoming more stringent. However, this also presents a golden opportunity for Vietnamese F&B companies to upgrade their products, build trustworthy brands, and expand exports. By embracing clean label strategies and aligning with global standards, Vietnam’s F&B industry can transform this challenge into a competitive edge on the world stage.
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