What is it?
Carmoisine is a synthetic color—either powder or liquid—added to foods to give them a bright red or pink hue.

How is it made?
It’s produced industrially using chemicals, making it an artificial food dye.

Why is it bad?
Eating foods with carmoisine can cause gut inflammation and allergic reactions like skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, and even shortness of breath.

Where is it found?
You’ll find carmoisine in red or pink-colored treats like candies, jams, jellies, cookies, and ice cream.

What is it?
Tartrazine is a synthetic color—either powder or liquid—added to foods to give them a bright yellow hue.

How is it made?
It’s an artificial dye produced industrially from chemicals.

Why is it bad?
Consuming tartrazine can cause gut inflammation and allergic reactions like skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, and shortness of breath. It’s also linked to hyperactive behavior in kids.

Where is it used?
You’ll find tartrazine in yellow-colored foods like candies, jams, jellies, cookies, and energy drinks

What is it?
Caramel is a dark brown to black liquid or powder used as a coloring agent in food. There are four common types of caramel color—150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d.

How is it made?
It’s created by heating sugars (carbohydrates) at high temperatures, often with some added chemicals.

Why is it bad?
Caramel color has been linked to high blood pressure, and some studies suggest that certain substances formed during its production could be carcinogenic.

Where is it used?
You’ll find caramel color in lots of brown-hued foods like sodas, brown bread, demerara sugar, soy sauce, instant soups, and breakfast cereals.