Water soluble synthetic colour is chemically synthesized colour which can be used after toxicological studies indicate no risk of toxic effects to the user. It is water-soluble and maintains colouring power when it is dissolved. Due to its wide hue range availability and competitive prices, synthetic food colours are more commonly used than the natural colours.
Lake food colours – popularly known as lakes – are one of the food colour additives. Lake colours are very popular synthetic food colour. Lake colours are not only used for foods but are also used in a variety of other industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, inks, plastic food containers etc.
Natural colours originate from a wide range of sources like vegetables, fruits, plants, minerals, seeds, insects, algae, and other edible natural sources capable of colouring food, drugs or cosmetics. They impart colour when added to food or drink. The name ‘natural food colours’ stands correct as all these natural food colours are obtained using only naturally available products.