4 Healthy Homemade Food Colorings for Vibrant Recipes

Say goodbye to artificial dyes and hello to these natural, chemical-free food colorings! These homemade alternatives are not only healthier but also easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can add a splash of vibrant color to your baked goods, frostings, or other recipes—all while keeping it all-natural.

Ingredients for 4 Natural Food Colorings

Green Food Coloring:

• 1 ½ cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained (300 g)
• 2 Tbsp water, or more as needed (30 ml)

Yellow Food Coloring:

• ½ cup water (120 ml)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric (5 ml)

Purple Food Coloring:

• ½ cup fresh blueberries (75 g)
• 2 Tbsp water, or more as needed (30 ml)

Pink Food Coloring:

• 3 medium beets, peeled and chopped into small pieces
• Enough water to cover

How to Make 4 Natural Food Colorings

1. Green Food Coloring:

1. Place the thawed spinach and water in a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
2. Pour the spinach puree into a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Use a spatula to press the mixture, speeding up the draining process.
3. Discard the solids left in the sieve. Transfer the liquid into an airtight container and refrigerate. This yields ½ cup (120 ml) of green food coloring.

2. Yellow Food Coloring:

1. In a small pot, combine the water and turmeric over medium heat. Whisk the mixture until well blended and bring it to a simmer.
2. Let it cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
3. Pour the turmeric mixture into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This yields ½ cup (120 ml) of yellow food coloring.

3. Purple Food Coloring:

1. Blend the blueberries and water in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the blueberry mixture into a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Use a spatula to press the mixture and extract the liquid.
3. Discard the solids left in the sieve. Transfer the liquid into an airtight container and refrigerate. This yields ½ cup (120 ml) of purple food coloring.

4. Pink Food Coloring:

1. Place the chopped beets in a medium pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the beets are tender.
2. Remove the pot from heat and strain the liquid into an airtight container. Allow the liquid to cool completely before refrigerating. This yields ½ cup (120 ml) of pink food coloring.

These natural food colorings are as versatile as they are wholesome. From green to pink, each hue comes straight from nature’s bounty, making your recipes healthier and more vibrant. Use them to add a colorful touch to cakes, cookies, frostings, or even beverages—all without the guilt of artificial additives. Store them in your fridge and enjoy their freshness for up to a week. Your creations will not only look beautiful but also feel more nourishing!