Dye

Dye: Coloring Agent for Various Products

A dye refers to chemical compounds that have the property of coloring other materials. According to DIN 55934, "dyes" are defined as coloring agents that are soluble in their application medium. Insoluble coloring agents are called pigments.

Dyes used to color food are referred to as food colorings and are food additives subject to specific regulations.

Dyes can be categorized into animal and plant-based or organic and inorganic dyes. Generally, dyes are classified into synthetic (artificial) and natural dyes. Synthetic dyes include azo dyes, for example. Natural dyes can be obtained from animal (e.g., Tyrian purple from the murex snail) or plant-based products (e.g., saffron or carotene).