Market Size
Global Plant-based Food Colors Market reached US$ 9.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 16.3 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 6.99% during the forecast period 2025-2032.
The global plant-based food colors market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and clean-label products. As awareness about synthetic additives' health risks rises, consumers opt for plant-derived colors from sources like fruits, vegetables and spices. This shift is also fueled by the growing trend for transparency in food labeling, with many seeking products free from artificial ingredients.
Plant-based colors are gaining popularity across a variety of food sectors, including beverages, snacks, dairy and confectionery, as manufacturers respond to this demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This market is expanding rapidly, with North America and Europe leading the way, while the Asia-Pacific region shows the highest growth potential creating various growth opportunities for the market.
Key drivers include changing consumer preferences for clean-label foods and regulatory pressure on synthetic dyes. As companies invest in innovation, there is a push for new plant-based colors with better color stability and wider application ranges. This trend reflects a broader shift toward more natural, eco-friendly ingredients, positioning the plant-based food colors market for continued growth and opportunity in the coming years.
Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 6.92% |
| Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Data Availability | Value (US$) |
| Segments Covered | Source, Form, Type, Application and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Region | North America |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis and Other key Insights. |
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Market Dynamics
Rising Vegan Population
According to NCBI, the demand for plant-based products, including food colors, is rising with approximately 88 million vegans worldwide or about 1–2% of the global population. As more people shift toward plant-based diets for health, environmental and ethical reasons, the demand for natural, vegan-friendly food color alternatives is growing rapidly. This shift is encouraging food manufacturers to adopt plant-based coloring solutions to meet the preferences of conscious consumers who prioritize plant-derived ingredients.
The importance of this trend is further highlighted by studies like the one from the University of Oxford, which suggests that a global transition to a vegan diet could save up to 8 million lives by 2050. Such insights underscore the significant impact that plant-based choices are having on the global food industry, fueling the demand for sustainable and plant-derived food coloring options. As more individuals embrace veganism and its associated benefits, the plant-based food colors market rising.
Availability And Advancement Of Extraction Methods
As the demand for natural food colorants rises, more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective extraction techniques are becoming essential for producing high-quality plant-based dyes. Traditional extraction methods often struggle with low yields and environmental concerns, but innovative green techniques like microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) are revolutionizing the process.
All these methods offer higher extraction efficiency, ensuring that more colorants are derived from plant materials while minimizing waste and reducing the need for harmful solvents. A recent study highlights the advantages of these green extraction methods, demonstrating that they not only improve yield but also enhance the purity of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, carotenoids and betacyanins—key natural colorants.
Such techniques are also more environmentally friendly, consuming less energy and producing fewer by-products. Their cost-effectiveness, coupled with their sustainability, is driving their adoption across the plant-based food color industry, making them a crucial factor in the market's growth. As these extraction methods continue to evolve, they will remain a powerful driver for the expanding plant-based food colors market.
Limited Stability And Shorter Shelf Life
While plant-based colors are gaining popularity for being natural and healthier alternatives to synthetic options, they can be more sensitive to factors like light, heat and changes in pH. This can cause the colors to fade or degrade over time, especially in processed foods or products that are exposed to varying storage conditions. As a result, manufacturers often find it harder to maintain consistent color quality in their products, which can limit the widespread use of plant-based food colors.
Market Segment Analysis
The global plant-based food colors market is segmented based on source, form, type, application and region.
Abundant Supply Of Natural Pigments In Fruits & Vegetables
The fruits & vegetables segment dominates the plant-based food colors market due to their abundant supply of natural pigments. Fruits and vegetables are rich in bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, carotenoids and betacyanins, providing vibrant, stable colors in high demand across various food and beverage products. These colorants offer visual appeal and align with the growing consumer preference for healthier, clean-label ingredients that are free from synthetic dyes.
As more consumers seek natural alternatives, fruits and vegetables have become the go-to source for plant-based food colorants, reinforcing the segment’s dominance. Their versatility in delivering a wide spectrum of colors ranging from reds and purples to oranges and greens makes fruits and vegetables indispensable in the food industry. The growing demand for clean, natural ingredients ensures that this segment remains a key player resulting in the launch of various products.
For instance, in January 2021, GNT expanded its range of EXBERRY Coloring Foods by launching EXBERRY Shade Pink – OD. This new oil-dispersible color is derived from fruits, vegetables and edible plants, demonstrating the continued innovation in the sector. With a focus on physical processing methods and no chemical solvents, the launch further highlights how the fruits & vegetables segment continues to lead the market by providing sustainable, natural color solutions for a variety of applications.
Market Geographical Share
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Products in North America
North America dominates the global plant-based food colors market due to the region's growing demand for plant-based products and its significant consumer base. With 4% of US population identifying as vegan and 10% considering themselves either vegetarian or vegan, according to the Animal Health Foundation there is a clear shift toward plant-based eating. This trend is reflected in the growing market for plant-based foods, which, as of 2023, was valued at US$ 8.1 billion.
The increasing popularity of plant-based diets drives the demand for natural, sustainable food colorants, positioning North America as a dominant force in the market. As more consumers embrace plant-based diets, the demand for natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables and other plant sources grows. This shift aligns with the region's broader preference for clean-label, healthier food options, which further fuels the need for plant-based food colors.
For instance, major players like GNT have responded to this trend by expanding their range of natural colorants, offering solutions for various food applications. North America's dominance is also evident in its role as a hub for innovation in the food industry, with advancements in plant-based food color technology helping to shape global trends toward healthier, more sustainable food choices.
Major Global Players
The major global players in the market include Döhler GmbH, EQT AB, Sensient Colors LLC, Kalsec Inc., Ajanta Colours, Aarkay Food Products Ltd., colorMaker, Inc., Givaudan, GNT Group and Vinayak Ingredients (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd.
By Source
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Spices & Herbs
- Other
By Form
- Powder
- Liquid
- Gel
- Others
By Type
- Carotenoids
- Chlorophyll
- Anthocyanins
- Beet Juice
- Curcumin
- Spirulina
- Others
By Application
- Bakery Products
- Confectionery
- Dairy Products & Alternatives
- Beverages
- Snacks
- Sauces & Dressings
- Others
By Region
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
- In June 2023, Oterra introduced new Red and Pink ColorFruit and FruitMax blends for plant-based meat and seafood.
- In April 2023, Sensient Colors launched new natural green shades that evoke wellness and naturalness, making them highly sought after for pet kibble and treat formulations.
- In September 2022, Sun Chemical launched its SUNFOODS Natural Colorants line offering a wide range of natural colors for food and beverages in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global plant-based food colors market segmentation based on source, form, type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous plant-based food colors market-level data points with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global plant-based food colors market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 71 figures and 209 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
