Colorants, also known as food colorings or food dyes, are substances that are added to food or beverages to change their color. They are used to make food more visually appealing or to compensate for color loss during processing. Food-grade colorants are specifically designed and regulated for safe use in food products. They can be derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and minerals, or they can be synthetic. Food colorants are commonly used in a wide variety of products, including candies, baked goods, beverages, and processed foods, to enhance their appearance and appeal.