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Fun for Kids: Safe Berry-Based Food Colors

posted by Annie B. Bond May 13, 2008 12:00 pm
Fun for Kids:  Safe Berry-Based Food Colors
8 comments

The FDA has estimated that between 47,000 and 94,000 Americans are sensitive to food dye Yellow No. 5. It can cause asthma, hives, headache, and is linked to behavioral changes.

In a double-blind study reported in the Journal of Pediatrics, the study clearly demonstrated a relation between ingestion of Yellow No. 5 and behavioral changes in children who are allergic to it. At the moment there are seven dyes on the market. The rest have been taken off the market because they have been found to be toxic or carcinogenic.

You can make fun children’s food–cookies, cakes, and candies–using juice dyes instead of store bought artificial food colors. Here is how to make your own juice dyes:

INGREDIENTS
One or more of the following: frozen berries, canned beets, or 1/2 cup plant material (blueberries, cranberries, strawberry).
Water as needed.

Use the juice straight from thawed berries, or juice drained from canned beets. Mix colors for hue variations.

If using fresh berries, or fruit, combine the plant material with 1 cup of water in a pan and simmer over low heat for 1/2 hour or so, adding more water as it evaporates.

Plant suggestions include blueberries, purple grapes, cranberries, beets, and turmeric (for yellow)!

Parents: Do you have a favorite kids’ recipe with berries or a great dye alternative? Let us know in the comment field below.

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8 comments

8 comments

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8 comments add your comment
Vural K.

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner,Prefabrik
mega kabin
Konteyner

Vural K.

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner,Prefabrik
mega kabin
Konteyner

Kathryn A.

Please be careful with Annatto also. My daughter is very sensitive to food dyes, and annatto (although "natural") affects her behavior just as much if not more than red dye. Yellow also gives her hives. It is very hard to keep these away from her, even though she herself seeks to avoid them. People do not listen (or maybe forget) and give them to her. I appreciate you educating folks about it.

Shirley B.

I'm allergic to yellow dye and it's gotten so bad that my hives have gone internal. My insides actually become inflamed and I take an antihistimine every day. I try to watch what I eat all the time but it's hard. One good thing has arisen out of this and that is I watch what my son eats now and try to restrict artificial dyes as much as I can. I don't want him ending up like me. Dyes are so unhealthy.

Shirley B.

I'm allergic to yellow dye and it's gotten so bad that my hives have gone internal. My insides actually become inflamed and I take an antihistimine every day. I try to watch what I eat all the time but it's hard. One good thing has arisen out of this and that is I watch what my son eats now and try to restrict artificial dyes as much as I can. I don't want him ending up like me. Dyes are so unhealthy.

Rachel Markel

Great article, I have used red hibiscus flowers to create a deep red to purple hue. Crushed Juniper Berries render a slightly purple to lavender color. Annatto is a spice found in your local store that will give you a natural orange color.

Kara D.
  • Kara D. says
  • May 13, 2008 4:22 PM

can a type of herb be used?

Kara D.
  • Kara D. says
  • May 13, 2008 4:21 PM

wow, yellow dyes are still bad huh? well someone should report them before you know>

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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