E133 Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1)

E133ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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Every diet

VeganYes

Contains no animal ingredients. Some vegans avoid it because it has been tested on animals.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Blue 1 (E133) is a synthetic blue dye with a cleaner safety record than most petroleum dyes, and it doesn't need a warning in the EU. It's still being removed from California school food and is part of the FDA's push to phase out synthetic dyes.

45/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE133

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit6 mg/kg

Also calledBlue 1, Blue No. 1

Find blue without Blue 1

Clean-label swaps

Clean substitute

Blue spirulina powder

A vivid blue from algae for frosting and smoothies.

Shop blue spirulina Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry swap

Butterfly pea flower powder

Turns drinks deep blue, and purple when you add lemon.

Shop butterfly pea Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free kids' snacks

Candy and fruit snacks colored with fruit and vegetable juice.

Shop dye-free snacks 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. Unlike Red 40 and Yellow 6, it does not need the EU hyperactivity warning, because it wasn't part of the Southampton study. EFSA's 2010 review set a daily limit of 6 mg per kg of body weight. In 2025 the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes, relying mostly on voluntary action by food companies.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

420 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 6 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 120 mg a day.

What is it?

Brilliant Blue FCF is a bright blue dye made from petroleum-derived chemicals. It's one of the few stable blue colors available, and it's mixed with yellow dyes to make the green in candy and drinks.

Where it comes from: A synthetic triarylmethane dye made from petroleum-derived chemicals. Each US batch is tested and certified by the FDA before it can be sold.

Why it’s in food

Makes candy, frosting and drinks bright blue
Combines with Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 to make green
Keeps color consistent between batches

Often found in

Candy and gummiesSports drinksFrosting and sprinklesIce popsBreakfast cerealsBlue raspberry flavored products

Also listed as: Blue 1, Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Brilliant blue

Health & gut impact

Overall safetyConcern

EFSA found no concern for cancer or DNA damage and set a daily limit that most people stay well below.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2010)

Tube feeding in hospitalsUnder study

When added to tube-feeding formulas, it was linked to rare deaths in critically ill patients whose guts absorbed it. The FDA warned against that use. It doesn't apply to eating normal food.

FDA Public Health Advisory (2003)

What can I use instead?

Spirulina extract

Ratio: About 1/4 tsp per cup of frosting

Best for: Frosting, candy and ice cream

Butterfly pea flower

Ratio: Steep to taste

Best for: Drinks and rice

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 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 Beta-Carotene E160aBeta-carotene (E160a) is the orange pigment in carrots, and it's safe as a food color. Your body turns some of it into vitamin A. High-dose supplements raised lung cancer risk in smokers, but food coloring amounts are far smaller.Generally safe Caramel Color (Sulfite Ammonia Caramel) E150dCaramel color (E150d) is the most common food coloring in the world and is considered safe at normal intakes. Its one real question mark is 4-MEI, a byproduct California lists as a carcinogen, which is why colas cut their levels.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Blue 1 safe?

Best to avoid (45/100). Legal in the US, EU and Canada. Unlike Red 40 and Yellow 6, it does not need the EU hyperactivity warning, because it wasn't part of the Southampton study. EFSA's 2010 review set a daily limit of 6 mg per kg of body weight. In 2025 the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes, relying mostly on voluntary action by food companies.

Is Blue 1 vegan?

Yes. Contains no animal ingredients. Some vegans avoid it because it has been tested on animals.

Is Blue 1 gluten-free?

Yes.

Is Blue 1 banned in Europe?

No. It's approved in the EU as E133 and, unlike some other synthetic dyes, doesn't require a warning label.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 74.101 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E133
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2010)
FDA Public Health Advisory (2003)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 133 · CAS 3844-45-9