E132 Indigo carmine (Blue 2)

E132ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Indigo carmine (Blue 2, E132) is a synthetic blue dye used in candy, cereal and pet food. It's legal, but it's one of the petroleum dyes the FDA wants phased out, and California is removing it from school food.

45/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE132

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit5 mg/kg

Also calledBlue 2, Blue No. 2

Find treats without Blue 2

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free candy

Colored with fruit, vegetable and spirulina extracts.

Shop dye-free candy Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Blue from spirulina, plus colors from beets and turmeric.

Shop natural food coloring Opens your country’s Amazon store

Health store

Butterfly pea flower powder

A vivid blue for drinks and baking that turns purple with lemon.

Shop butterfly pea powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaRestrictedBanned in California public school food from 2028 (School Food Safety Act, AB 2316)

Legal in the US, EU and Canada. It doesn't need the EU hyperactivity warning, because it wasn't part of the Southampton study. EFSA's 2014 review set a daily limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight. In 2025 the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes, including Blue 2.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

Blue 2 is a deep, slightly purple blue. It's less common than Blue 1 because it fades in light, but it still shows up in candy, frosting, cereal and blue drinks, often mixed with red or yellow dyes to make purple and green.

Where it comes from: A synthetic version of indigo, the plant dye used for blue jeans, made from petroleum-based chemicals.

Why it’s in food

Colors candy and frosting blue or purple
Mixes with yellow dyes to make green
Colors cereal and baked goods
Colors pet food and kibble

Often found in

Candy and jelly beansFrosting and sprinklesBreakfast cerealBlue sports drinksPet foodBaked snacks

Also listed as: Blue 2, Blue No. 2, FD&C Blue 2, FD&C Blue No. 2, Blue 2 Lake, Indigo carmine, Indigotine, Indigotin

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewUnder study

EFSA found intake stays under the daily limit for most people, but noted limited data on long-term effects.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2014)

Brain tumors in ratsUnder study

A rat study found more brain tumors in males fed Blue 2. The FDA judged it wasn't caused by the dye, but the question was never fully settled.

FDA, 21 CFR 74.102 listing (1983)

What can I use instead?

Spirulina extract

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Candy, frosting and gum

Butterfly pea flower

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and baking

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Annatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safe Anthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safe Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Blue 2 safe?

Best to avoid (45/100). Legal in the US, EU and Canada. It doesn't need the EU hyperactivity warning, because it wasn't part of the Southampton study. EFSA's 2014 review set a daily limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight. In 2025 the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes, including Blue 2.

Is Blue 2 vegan?

Yes.

Is Blue 2 gluten-free?

Yes.

Is Blue 2 the same as Blue 1?

No. Blue 1 (brilliant blue) is a brighter, more stable blue. Blue 2 (indigo carmine) is a deeper indigo that fades faster in light.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 74.102 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E132
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2014)
FDA, 21 CFR 74.102 listing (1983)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 132 · CAS 860-22-0