Find out regulations on artificial food flavors and food colors

The Federal government has regulations on what color additives are approved for use in food products. Be sure you know the rules on what can be used in your product. Also, consumers may avoid certain flavors or dyes, so know what items will not sell well.

I recommend: The Food and Drug Administration has a table of artificial food coloring certifiable for use in food. The International Food Information Council has information on artificial food flavors and colors.

Buy artificial color and food flavors in bulk

A little bit of artificial color or flavor can go a long way, so you might as well buy it in bulk to avoid less frequent orders.

I recommend: Esco Foods sells liquid food color in bulk. Dutch Valley Foods has food flavorings and colors. Into the Oven has powdered food colors to consider.

Test out a variety of artificial flavoring for your product

There are hundreds of substitutes in flavorings for foods now on the market. Ask for samples or order small amounts of a food flavoring before committing to one product to use.

I recommend: Wild Flavors has information on flavor types, flavor formulation and masking flavors. Wild Flavors also does research on future consumer preferences in artificial flavors in food. Stirling Foods has wholesale syrup flavorings, from hazelnut to vanilla to blueberry. Virginia Dare serves major food and beverage manufacturers with specialty flavorings, even allowing analysts to review your product for the best flavor options. Shank's Extracts specializes in vanilla flavorings, but also has syrups, colors and sauces. Gold Coast Ingredients has information to help you choose powder or liquid flavors, artificial or natural.