We all know that artificial colors and flavors are never a good thing. Did you know that studies have actually linked artificial coloring to cancer, brain tumors, hyperactivity, ADD, ADHD, and other disruptive behaviors in children? Made up of tar derivatives, long chain hydrocarbons, and other petrochemicals, artificial colors have no benefit for your body. Natural coloring like Nature’s Flavors All-Natural Food Coloring on the other hand can actually be healthy for you. Many of the plant based pigments are comprised of powerful antioxidants making them an excellent alternative. Some of the natural pigments used in Nature’s Flavors All-Natural Food coloring come from sources such as beets, hibiscus flowers, gardenia flowers and turmeric roots.
The FDA is now requiring warning labels on foods with artificial dyes and colors and more parents are turning to homemade foods in an effort to safeguard their children. Nature’s Flavors Nature Food Dyes are a great choice! To test them out I made some cupcakes and a batch of almond buttercream frosting. I separated out five different bowls of frosting, one for each color:
I have to be honest, the food coloring has a bit of an unpleasant odor and the product description says “some colors may impart a small degree of flavor to the finished product” I think for the most part though it would never be a problem. Out of all of the colors I only noticed the flavor of the food color in the pink. If you are going for darker colors you may notice it a little bit more. I think the colors came out pretty with just a few drops:
Overall I think these food dyes worked beautifully and the benefits far outweigh the tiny bit of flavor they may impart especially compared to the negative affects of artificial colors.
Nature’s flavors also makes a variety of other products including organic vanilla extract (so delicious and perfect for baking!) and psyllium fiber supplements. For more information on these products and others from Nature’s Flavors visit www.naturesflavors.com.
Feeling lucky? 10 winners will each receive a set of Rainbow Food Colors from Nature’s Flavors. Enter the giveaway by filling out the form below. Also, be sure to check out all of our other giveaways. NOTE: if you are having trouble with the mandatory entry on the form below, click “I did this” first. Then the form will pop up to enter your info. If you don’t leave your address, I won’t have a way to get your prize to you. If you need more guidance, you can watch this video on how to enter Rafflecopter giveaways.
This giveaway is open until August 16, 2012 at 12:01 am EST to U.S residents.
Your information is confidential and used for contacting the winner and prize fulfillment purposes only.
A complimentary product/service was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.
Stacy says
So so so excited for this giveaway! My boys have been dye-free for a few years. Every birthday has had a different tactic for dye-free cake, mostly focusing on clever cupcake wraps and picks. Being able to incorporate safe dye would be awesome, and my little guy turns 3 at the end of the month!
Liz says
Have to try these!
Connie says
I’d love to try a natural coloring – thanks for the giveaway!
Nicole says
Just wanted to say thanks for having the punchtab rewards program. i redeemed for a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card a few weeks ago and already received it. Thanks!!!
holly says
Oh good! I’m so glad you let me know because I had another reader who had some trouble receiving her prize and I was debating on whether or not to keep the program!
Jen says
Unfortunately, the FDA does not require warning labels on products with food dyes. I wish that was true. It is in Europe you will find the warning labels. Even China is working to ban them, but not the US.
Jen says
Unfortunately, the FDA does not require warning labels on products with food dyes. I wish that was true. It is in Europe you will find the warning labels. Even China is working to ban them, but not the US.
Jen
Debra says
Ive been wanting to try these. Thanks for the opportunity.