Why are raspberry drinks blue?

Asked by: Phil Rippon, Cardiff

In the 1950s, raspberry-flavoured foods were coloured dark red using a dye called amaranth. This later turned out to be carcinogenic and was banned in the US. Food manufacturers started using the bright blue dye instead, partly because it helps to distinguish it from cherry or strawberry flavours, but also because children seem to like brightly coloured foods.

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