Brilliant blue
Synthetic dye; generally tolerated at food doses.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 6 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Brilliant Blue FCF (E133), also known in the US as Blue 1, is a synthetic blue dye. It provides a bright, intense blue colour and is often mixed with yellow dyes (like E102) to create green.
How it is used in food
Provides a brilliant blue color, often paired with tartrazine to make greens.
Commonly found in- Blue raspberry flavored candies and drinks
- Ice creams and popsicles
- Canned peas (mixed with yellow to restore green colour lost in canning)
- Mouthwashes and toothpaste
Health and safety
None major at food doses.
Unlike many synthetic red and yellow dyes, Brilliant Blue FCF is not part of the "Southampton Six" and is not strongly linked to hyperactivity. The body absorbs very little of it (less than 5%), meaning it mostly passes straight through the digestive system.
Harmless green/blue stools
Because E133 is poorly absorbed by the intestines, consuming large amounts (like drinking a brightly colored blue sports drink or eating blue frosting) will turn feces green or blue. This is entirely harmless.
Allergic reactions
In very rare cases, E133 can cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with pre-existing asthma.
Less than 5% is absorbed by the body; the rest passes straight through.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Approved by the FDA as Blue No. 1. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E133
- Colour index
- 42090
Also printed asBlue 1 · Brilliant Blue FCF · FD&C Blue No. 1
Alternatives to this additive
- Spirulina extract — A completely natural blue colour derived from blue-green algae, rapidly replacing E133 in clean-label candies.
How it is made
Like most synthetic dyes, it is derived from petroleum byproducts through complex chemical synthesis.
- Synthesis — Synthesized from coal tar or petroleum derivatives via the condensation of benzaldehyde with aniline derivatives.
Worth knowing
It is a triarylmethane blue.
Conclusion
E133 is generally considered safe. However, because it is entirely synthetic and derived from petroleum, clean-label advocates prefer natural blue alternatives.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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