Cooking with kids is all about bright colors, festive snacks and fun traditions, but if you’ve ever checked the ingredient list on store bought food coloring, you might have second thoughts about using it. Many artificial dyes contain synthetic chemicals linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and other health concerns - not exactly something you want in your food. 

Lucky for us, nature has plenty of vibrant, plant based alternatives that work just as well, without the additives. Whether you’re dyeing eggs, frosting cupcakes or making playdough, these natural food dyes are easy to make, have beautiful colors, and are also packed with extra health benefits.

Why use natural food dyes?

Store bought food coloring might be convenient, but many artificial dyes contain petroleum based chemicals that can cause a whole array of health problems - from digestive issues to allergic reactions. Instead, natural food dyes come from real fruits, vegetables, and spices, making them safe, nutritious, and even loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. 

Using homemade food coloring means:

•  No artificial chemicals or preservatives

•  Added nutrients and health boosting antioxidants

•  Beautiful, earthy hues

•  Fun and easy kitchen creativity that the kids will love too

Best natural ingredients for food coloring

Green - matcha & spirulina

Health benefits:

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly EGCG, which helps reduce inflammation, boost brain function, and support overall wellness. It also provides a steady, calm energy boost thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.

Spirulina is a protein rich blue-green algae loaded with iron, B vitamins, and chlorophyll, which support detoxification and immune health. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use: 

The amount of matcha powder you use will determine the intensity of the vibrant green color you make. Higher quality matcha is brighter green than lower quality matcha. If you’re making big quantities of dye and need to consider cost, high quality culinary matcha will be the most cost effective and gorgeous green. 

Spirulina powder creates a deeper green than matcha and has a super neutral taste. If you’re making dye to be used for eating and you know your audience either doesn’t like matcha or needs to be caffeine free. Try either spirulina powder or decaf matcha! 

Yellow - turmeric

Health benefits:

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that contains curcumin, which has been shown to support brain function, reduce joint pain, and boost immune health. It’s also great for digestion and has antimicrobial properties that can support gut health. 

How to use:  

Just mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric with warm water to get a bold golden yellow. The longer you expose something to the turmeric dye, the deeper the color will become. 

Pink & red – beet powder & raspberries

Health benefits:

Beet powder is rich in nitrates, which help improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and support endurance. It’s also packed with fiber, folate, and antioxidants that promote overall health. 

Raspberries are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids, which support skin health, heart health, and immune function.

How to use:

Mix 1 teaspoon of beet powder with a splash of water or milk for a deep magenta color and a natural sweetness. 

Mash and strain raspberries for a light pink shade with a delicious scent and sweet + tart flavor.

Blue & purple – red cabbage & blueberries

Health benefits:

Red cabbage is rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that reduces inflammation, supports brain function, and helps protect the heart.

Blueberries are also rich in anthocyanins and contain vitamin C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants that improve skin, brain health, and immune function.

How to use:

Boil chopped red cabbage in water for a deep purple-blue dye. Add baking soda for a more vibrant blue.

Mash blueberries and strain for a more lavender-purple color. The color is coming from the skin so put some elbow grease into mashing them well. 

Orange - paprika & carrot juice

Health benefits:

Paprika is a good source of carotenoids, which support eye health, skin health and immune function.

Carrot juice is rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), which supports vision, skin health, and immune function.

How to use:

Mix paprika powder with warm water for a rusty orange-red color.

Blend carrots with water and strain for a lighter, more pastel orange.

Fun ways to use natural food dyes

• Easter egg dyeing - Mix natural dyes with vinegar and warm water, then soak eggs for 30 minutes to an hour for rich colors.

• Naturally colored frosting - Add powdered dyes (matcha, beet, turmeric) to buttercream for vibrant cupcakes with added flavor and health benefits.

• Colorful pancakes & waffles - Mix natural colors into batter for a fun breakfast treat.

• Homemade play dough - Add natural dyes for a safe, non-toxic kids craft.

• Dyeing pasta or rice - Stir natural colors into cooked pasta or rice for a fun twist on dinner or lunch.

• Make drinks & cocktails - Stir into lemonade for an Instagram worthy drink.

• Homemade dips & dressings - A fun way to add color to hummus or vinaigrettes.

The bottom line

Natural food dyes prove that you don’t need artificial additives to make food fun. Plus, they add extra nutrients and antioxidants, so you’re getting a little boost while making your food look amazing. Whether you’re dyeing Easter eggs, frosting cupcakes, or making colorful smoothies, plant based colors are safer, healthier, and way more fun to experiment with.