Non Toxic Natural Green Food Dye VS Artificial Green

It’s time to make some tasty green colored foods for St Patrick’s day!

Before you grab that artificial green food dye from your pantry, lets talk about natural food dyes. There are numerous reasons to ditch the artificial food color and use natural green food dye.

I’m here to tell you – you don’t need harmful chemicals to create delicious looking food. Its easy to make your own natural green food dye for all your homemade needs. Prefer to buy instead of the DIY route? I’ve found some quality natural green dye that would work just as well.

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Artificial Green VS Natural Green

Artificial Green Food Dye

Pros

• You get very vibrant colors, and bright colorful food makes food attractive. Color matters, as we see before we taste.
• Synthetic dyes are very popular and easy to find at the store.
• Because they cost less to manufacture, you won’t have to pay as much money for artificial green food dye as you would for a natural version.

Cons

• Artificial Food Dyes are synthetic – they are made in a lab often from petrochemicals.
• Artificial Colors are associated with health concerns including
  • Cancer
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Behavioral issues in children
• They are banned as a food additive in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland and Australia.

• 9 Solid Reasons to Ditch Artificial Food Colors

Natural Green Food Dye

Pros

• Made from natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and minerals.
• Natural is non-toxic. It’s safer to consume compared to artificial colors.
• Real food = more nutrition – you get the vitamins and minerals from the plants.

Cons

• If you buy pre-made it will cost more than synthetic versions
• The color does not always come out as vibrant as artificial colors,

How to Make Your Own Natural Green Food Dye at Home

Plants are naturally green and full of chlorophyll – nature’s green. One of the most popular ways to make natural green food color is to use Spinach. You won’t believe how simple it is!

Homemade Green Food Dye using Spinach

1. Simmer fresh spinach in a little bit of water for 2-3 minutes
2. Blend in a food processor
3. Strain and let cool
4. Add a few teaspoons to frostings, batters or whatever you want to color green

One caveat is that you shouldn’t expect super bright neon hues, but rather more subtle pastel colors. Though, you may not be wowing the eyes with incredibly bright colors, you will be using much safer ingredients for you and your loved ones.

Super Simple Beginners Guide to Clean Eating

What are the Best Vegan Green Food Dyes

Not into making your own? Here are some nice alternatives to the popular artificial green food colors.

Premium Pandan Leaf Supercolor Powder

• Food Coloring Powder with a vanilla-like aroma
• Plant Based
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Gluten Free

Midori Jade Matcha Supercolor Powder

• Food Coloring Powder made with Matcha Green Tea
• Organic
• Plant Based
• Vegan
• No Preservatives
• No Added Sugar

Chefmaster – Gel Food Coloring Kit

• Plant-Based Ingredients
• Naturally Vibrant Colors
• Vegan
• Allergy friendly
• Made in the USA

Ideas For Your Natural Green Food Coloring

Now that you have your natural green food dye, whether homemade or a store bought version what are you going to make?

Holidays

• St Patrick’s day cupcakes with green icing
• Cookies
• Christmas cooking decorating ( icing or batter)

Celebrations

• Birthday cakes
• Homemade Green Ice Cream

Everyday Foods

• Green Pancakes or waffles
• Smoothies

Natural Is the Way to Go

I think the health downsides to artificial green food coloring is not worth the risk when there are natural alternatives around. Toxins are everywhere and they are cumulative. Lets not add to our bodies toxic burden with our fun celebrations! Go the DIY Route if you feel comfortable and have time, or if you have a bit of money to spare and want less effort then try out some store bought options.