Global Plant-based Food Colors Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Plant-based Food Colors Market Analysis

The plant-based food colors market has seen significant advancements in recent years, driven by innovations in extraction techniques and natural ingredients. One notable method is the use of clean-label extraction processes, where colorants are derived using minimal processing, maintaining their natural qualities while avoiding harmful chemicals. Technologies such as supercritical CO2 extraction allow for high-quality pigments from plants such as beets, spirulina, and turmeric, which are non-toxic and offer vibrant hues.

Recent growth in this market is also fueled by consumer preference for healthier, sustainable, and non-synthetic alternatives to artificial food colors. As plant-based diets become more popular, natural food coloring is increasingly in demand for use in snacks, beverages, confectioneries, and processed foods. This shift aligns with the broader clean-label trend, which emphasizes transparency and the absence of artificial additives. In addition, the incorporation of innovative biotechnological methods to improve color stability and shelf-life has boosted the market. As sustainability and health-consciousness continue to rise, the plant-based food colors market is projected to expand further, with growth driven by both regulatory support and consumer awareness.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Size

The global plant-based food colors market size was valued at USD 9.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.38 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, pricing analysis, brand share analysis, consumer survey, demography analysis, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Trends

“Increased Consumer Demand for Natural and Clean Label Products”

A significant trend driving the growth of the plant-based food colors market is the rising consumer preference for natural and clean label ingredients. As health-conscious consumers become more aware of the potential risks of synthetic additives, they are opting for plant-based alternatives in their food and beverages. For instance, in September 2021, Divi’s Nutraceuticals launched CaroNat, an all-natural food ingredient derived from concentrated carrot juice. Rich in beta-carotene, CaroNat imparts a dark yellow to orange color to a variety of food and beverage products. This innovative ingredient meets the rising demand for clean-label, plant-based colorants in the food and beverage industry. This shift aligns with the growing clean-label trend, where manufacturers highlight the absence of artificial ingredients, boosting the market for plant-based food colors and encouraging innovation in this space.

Report Scope and Plant-based Food Colors Market Segmentation    

Plant-based Food Colors Market Definition

Plant-based food colors are natural pigments extracted from various plants, fruits, vegetables, and other botanical sources. These colors are used as alternatives to synthetic dyes in food and beverages, catering to the growing demand for clean-label and healthier products. Instances include beet juice for red, spinach for green, turmeric for yellow, and carrot for orange. Plant-based food colors are perceived as safer and more environmentally friendly compared to artificial alternatives. The market for plant-based colors is expanding due to consumer preferences for clean, sustainable, and organic food products, offering vibrant, visually appealing options without harmful chemicals.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rise in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets

The global rise in vegan and vegetarian diets has significantly boosted the demand for plant-based food colors. As more consumers embrace plant-based lifestyles, food manufacturers are increasingly seeking ingredients that align with these dietary preferences, including natural and plant-derived colorants. Vegan diets, in particular, exclude synthetic or animal-derived ingredients, leading to a higher demand for plant-based alternatives in food products. This shift in consumer behavior is fueling market growth, as manufacturers cater to the growing need for clean, natural, and cruelty-free options. As the trend toward plant-based eating continues to rise, the market for plant-based food colors is expected to expand further, driven by consumer preferences for transparency and sustainability.

• Global Shift Towards Organic Products

The increasing global shift toward organic food production is a key driver for the plant-based food colors market. Organic products exclude synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and additives, which has led to a significant demand for natural alternatives, including plant-based colors. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, preferring products that are free from artificial ingredients, aligning with the growing popularity of organic and clean-label foods. As manufacturers seek to meet this demand, plant-based food colors, derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and plants, are gaining traction in the market. This shift supports the adoption of these colors in organic food and beverage products, further driving market growth.

Opportunities

• Rising Demand for Natural Flavors and Ingredients

The growing consumer preference for natural, minimally processed food products presents a significant opportunity for the plant-based food colors market. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek products with clean labels, the demand for natural coloring agents has surged. Plant-based food colors, derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants, offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. This shift towards natural ingredients aligns with the broader trend of clean eating and organic food production, creating ample opportunities for manufacturers to innovate and expand their product offerings. Companies can capitalize on this demand by developing natural colors that meet consumer expectations for health and sustainability.

• Food and Beverage Industry Regulations

Stricter regulations in the food and beverage industry regarding the use of synthetic ingredients and food additives have created a significant opportunity for plant-based food colors. As governments around the world enforce tighter laws on artificial dyes and additives due to their potential health risks, manufacturers are seeking natural alternatives to comply with these regulations. Plant-based food colors, which are derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources, offer a safer, cleaner option for food products. This shift not only helps brands meet regulatory requirements but also appeals to health-conscious consumers, thereby driving demand for plant-based food color solutions in the global market.

Restraints/Challenges

• Limited Availability of Raw Materials

The limited availability of raw materials for plant-based food colors significantly hinders the market. Sourcing natural plant-based ingredients can be inconsistent, particularly for specific colors that require rare or region-specific plants. This irregularity affects the continuity and scalability of production, leading to supply chain disruptions. In addition, fluctuations in agricultural yields due to weather conditions, pests, or other environmental factors exacerbate this issue. The scarcity of certain plant-based resources limits manufacturers' ability to meet growing demand, particularly in industries such as packaged foods and beverages, where color consistency is crucial. Consequently, the market for plant-based food colors faces challenges in maintaining steady production and meeting consumer expectations.    

• Stability and Shelf Life

The stability and shelf life of plant-based food colors pose a significant challenge in the market. These natural colors are highly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, light, and pH levels, which can lead to fading or changes in color over time. This instability restricts their use in products requiring long shelf lives or exposure to varying storage conditions. In addition, the volatility of these plant-derived colors can result in inconsistent coloring, which affects product quality and consumer appeal. Consequently, manufacturers may hesitate to fully transition to plant-based alternatives, limiting market growth. The need for better formulation and preservation techniques adds to the complexity of adopting these colors widely.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product type, source, color, application, form, and certification. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product Type

• Carotenoid
• Anthocyanin
• Chlorophyll
• Annatto
• Phycocyanin
• Curcumin
• Others

Source

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Seeds and Cereals
• Flowers and Herbs
• Other Plant Sources

Color

• Red
• Yellow
• Orange
• Green
• Blue
• Purple
• Pink
• Brown

 Application

• Beverages
  • Juice and Juice Concentrates
  • Functional Drinks
  • Carbonated Soft Drinks
  • Alcoholic Beverages
• Dairy Products
• Bakery Products
• Confectionery and Snacks
• Meat and Poultry Alternatives
• Sauces and Dressings
• Other Applications

 Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Paste
• Emulsion

 Certification

• Organic
• Natural
• Vegan
• Kosher
• Halal

Plant-based Food Colors Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, product type, source, color, application, form, and certification as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico in North America, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in Asia-Pacific (APAC), Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America as a part of South America, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA)

North America is expected to dominate the plant food color market, driven by the rising consumer demand for natural and clean-label food products. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, sustainable options, prompting manufacturers to focus on plant-based alternatives. In addition, the presence of key market players in the region, along with advancements in production technologies, further boosts the market. North America’s strong regulatory framework and growing health-conscious consumer base contribute significantly to its market leadership.

Europe is projected to experience significant growth in the plant food color market, driven by increasing health consciousness and regulatory support for plant-based food products. Consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of natural food additives, boosting demand for plant-derived colors. In addition, European regulations favoring clean label and non-synthetic ingredients are promoting the adoption of plant-based food colors. This trend is expected to fuel market expansion, particularly in the food and beverage sector.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Plant-based Food Colors Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Givaudan (Switzerland)
• Sensient Colors LLC (U.S.)
• Chr. Hansen A/S (Denmark)
• ADM (U.S.)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Exberry (Netherlands)
• Döhler GmbH (Germany)
• Kalsec Inc. (U.S.)
• ROHA Group (India)
• Synthite Industries Ltd. (India)
• Mane KANCOR (India)
• Qingdao Saite Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (China)
• Plant Lipids (India)
•  iHerb, LLC (India)
• Vinayak Corporation (India)
• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
• Ajanta Colours (India)

Latest Developments in Plant-based Food Colors Market

• In May 2023, GNT introduced Exberry Compound Red, a plant-based, natural food concentrate designed to give red meat alternatives a brownish color when grilled or fried. Made from carrots and vegetable oil, it is a clean-label ingredient. The range includes two shades, Autumn Red and Fall Forest Red, which create various browned meat colors during cooking
• In 2023, Sensient Technologies unveiled its first commercial color line using pH-stable anthocyanin, offering vivid natural hues for beverages and dairy. The colorant provides excellent formulation compatibility and stability, ensuring bright, consistent colors across different product types. This launch addresses growing consumer demand for natural ingredients in food and beverage products
• In November 2022, GNT received FDA approval for the use of spirulina extract as a natural food colorant in beverages. This approval enables manufacturers to produce vibrant blue shades while maintaining clean-label status. The spirulina-derived colorant expands options for creating naturally colorful beverages, catering to the clean-label and health-conscious consumer market
• In September 2021, Divi’s Nutraceuticals launched CaroNat, an all-natural food ingredient derived from concentrated carrot juice. Rich in beta-carotene, CaroNat imparts a dark yellow to orange color to a variety of food and beverage products. This innovative ingredient meets the rising demand for clean-label, plant-based colorants in the food and beverage industry
• In March 2020, Givaudan launched a line of natural red colors aimed at enhancing plant-based proteins and meat products. The new red colorant gives plant-based patties a more realistic meat-such as appearance, addressing the growing demand for plant-based alternatives that mimic the color and texture of traditional meat products in the market

SKU-73229